Random Kid 1: Miss Divya! Mis Divya! What does that poster say there?

Miss Divya: This one?

Points at a poster hanging on the wall of the classroom.

Random Kid 1: Yeah! That one!

Miss Divya: Well, it says that we should stop thinking that differences make some people better than others.

Random Kid 1: Oh...Why do people do that anyway? It's not good at all and it's not true. Is it?

Miss Divya: No, of course it isn't! That is one of the best things I've heard all day! And we should do it! Because it's always good to take care of one another. And if we're doing this to one another, then how can we care for others?

She looks out at the 5 children sitting in front of her. Then, she rubs her fingers on her chin, thinking.

Miss Divya: Aha! I know exactly what we're going to do today!

Random Kid 2: What are we going to do, Miss Divya?

Miss Divya: Why, I'm going to call in the Alpha to Omega team, of course!

Everyone: YAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!

Some time passes before Lily barges in with a poster board, the other team members following her inside.

Lily: (talking as she moves towards a podium) Divi, can you come up with some examples real quick? And Mags, get going on some tips! I want them by the time the lesson is over! Zohra, you got quotes! And Adiba, you know your job! Myths vs facts, of course!

She reaches her destination and presents the poster board to the children.

Miss Divya: That's right, kiddos! Today, we're learning about racism and how to stop it! Lily, take the lead, please!

Lily: (claps once) Alright! So, first off, what is racism? Can any of you tell me?

Random Kid 3: Isn't it when someone thinks that they are better than someone else because they have a different skin color?

Lily is about to respond, but Divya beats her to it.

Miss Divya: Good job! That is absolutely correct! But, did you know that there is more than just one kind of racism? (looks at the clueless faces of the kids) Alright! Clearly you didn't know! So, let me explain with this!

Racism is not only an individual ideology but an entire system of behaviours, ideas, practices, conditions, structures, policies and processes that maintain racial advantage.

1. Individual Racism
Individual racism stems from personal prejudice. When it's expressed consciously, the individual is aware of their prejudice and bias. In most instances though, individual racism is insidious and unconsciously shapes beliefs, attitudes and decisions

2. Institutional (Systemic) Racism
Although we've come a long way, racist policies and processes are deeply ingrained at the institutional level of our society. Systemic racism perpetuates avoidable and unfair inequalities through policies, conditions and protocols that set up an unfair playing ground.

3. Everyday Racism
It refers to the commonplace interactions with people, services or systems that leaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders feeling racially judged in a covert or deniable way. It can be intentional or unintentional. It recognises racism is systematic and is continually reinforced through familiar, everyday practices - such as racial microaggressions.

4. Internalised Racism
Internalised racism is a disturbing concept. It occurs when the racial or ethnic group being discriminated against begins to accept society's racist attitudes and beliefs. In other words, the so-called 'inferiority' of one's own ethnic or racial group is believed.

Lily: Yes, that's exactly it! Thank you very much, Divi! Since you're such a fast worker, are you able to come up with a scenario or story including racism?

Miss Divya: Uh, yeah, sure. I'll get to work, I guess, haha!

Lily: Thank you! Now, kids, we will talk about the truth and lies the social world tells about racism today. You got this one Adiba?

Adiba: Always...So, we all know that not everything you find on social media is true. Not everything on TV is true. Not everything on the Internet is true. Actually, a lot of that stuff is just plain lies. So, I am here to tell you the truth to some of the lies that the world has told about racism. Here I go!

Myth: The US is the most racist place.
Fact: Racism is everywhere.

Myth: Racists are easy to identify.
Fact: We all participate in racist systems.

Myth: Racism will die out with the oldest generation of Americans.
Fact: Younger people are not as progressive as you (or they) think.

Myth: Racism affects only Black and brown people, not white people.
Fact: Everyone is impacted by racism.

Myth: Racial progress in the US is inevitable.
Fact: It's just simply not.

Adiba: And that's that! Don't you forget it, guys!

Lily: Exactly! Don't forget any of those facts! But, feel free (Please do!) to forget all of those myths! They are just simply not true! (turns to Divya) Ready, Divi?

Miss Divya: (gasps) H-how...Was I supposed to...? (A light bulb lights in her brain.) Yes! I am ready! Get ready for the story of your lifetime!

There were a bunch of students sitting in a classroom. The teacher walked in and noticed all the students sitting far away from that one person who was from a different country.

"Class! Today let's speak about what racism is!" the teacher announced.

" What is it, teacher?" one of the students asked.

"It's the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another. It also includes degrading people who are of different races than you are," she explained.

Every student looked at each other's faces and looked back at the teacher.

"Remember kids! The race, colour, and/or creed should never vary us. We are all one. Scientifically, we are all the same species known as homosapiens. Our features might be different but the way our body functions is the same. Red blood is what flows through all of our veins. The thing which you are doing now would have made your classmate feel so bad and so insecure. As citizens, you must take steps to avoid such things and not encourage them! Got it, children?" the teacher explained.

"Yes, teacher! We won't do this ever again," the students replied and two of them went and sat near that kid.

As days passed on they all became good friends. They shared food and played together and were happy with each other.

At primary stages like this, children must be taught what racism is and how they shouldn't degrade someone.

Miss Divya: The end! How did you guys like it?

Random Kid 4: It was amazing!

Random Kid 2: Yeah! We learned so much!

Random Kid 5: Thank you, Miss Divya! We're so grateful for you!!

Miss Divya: (blushing) Oh, you guys are such angels! But, we aren't finished with this yet!

Mags: That's right! You still have to listen to me drone on about tips for avoiding racism!

Here are eight ways that you can fight racism in your community:
1. Learn to recognize and understand your own privilege.
One of the first steps to eliminating racial discrimination is learning to recognize and understand your own privilege. Racial privilege plays out across social, political, economic, and cultural environments. Checking your privilege and using your privilege to dismantle systemic racism are two ways to begin this complex process.
However, race is only one aspect of privilege. Religion, gender, sexuality, ability-status, socio-economic status, language, and citizenship status can all affect your level of privilege. Using the privileges that you have to collectively empower others requires first being aware of those privileges and acknowledging their implications.
2. Examine your own biases and consider where they may have originated.
What messages did you receive as a kid about people who are different from you? What was the racial and/or ethnic make-up of your neighborhood, school, or religious community? Why do you think that was the case? These experiences produce and reinforce bias, stereotypes, and prejudice, which can lead to discrimination. Examining our own biases can help us work to ensure equality for all.
3. Validate the experiences and feelings of people of color.
Another way to address bias and recognize privilege is to support the experiences of other people and engage in tough conversations about race and injustice. We cannot be afraid to discuss oppression and discrimination for fear of "getting it wrong." Take action by learning about the ways that racism continues to affect our society.

4. Challenge the "colorblind" ideology.
It is a pervasive myth that we live in a "post-racial" society where people "don't see color." Perpetuating a "colorblind" ideology actually contributes to racism.
It is impossible to eliminate racism without first acknowledging race. Being "colorblind" ignores a significant part of a person's identity and dismisses the real injustices that many people face as a result of race. We must see color in order to work together for equity and equality.
5. Call out racist "jokes" or statements.
Let people know that racist comments are not okay. If you are not comfortable or do not feel safe being confrontational, try to break down their thought process and ask questions. Do not be afraid to engage in conversations with loved ones, coworkers, and friends. Remember that not saying anything, or laughing along, implies that you agree.
6. Find out how your company or school works to expand opportunities for people of color.
Systemic racism means that there are barriers (including wealth disparities, criminal justice bias, and education and housing discrimination) that stack the deck against people of color in the workplace or at school. It is important for companies and schools to address these issues and promote a culture of equity.
7. Be thoughtful with your finances.
Take a stand with your wallet. Know the practices of companies that you invest in and the charities that you donate to. Make an effort to shop at small, local businesses and give your money back to the people living in the community. Your state or territory may have a directory of local, minority-owned businesses in your area.
8. Adopt an intersectional approach in all aspects of your life.
Remember that all forms of oppression are connected. You cannot fight against one form of injustice and not fight against others.
Many survivors of domestic violence also face racism and other forms of oppression. We must recognize and support survivors' unique experiences.

Mags: And, that's...basically my whole thing! But, I do have a few words to say...I understand that a lot of people think that racism can't be stopped, that things can't get better. But, that's just simply not the truth. The actual truth is that we are strong individually...but we are even stronger together. So I believe that we will prevail in our fight for equality of all people because we are better together. We are better united!

Lily: Wow, Mags! I love all that passion!
Mags: It's really no biggy! I'm glad to help out in any way I can!
All the Random Kids: Woahhhhhh...
They stay speechless till the bell rings and they run for the door.

The team stays behind, laughing and talking. Then, they realize that the camera is still on.
The @TEEN_FIX Team: Thank you for reading and remember! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

Credits to

caramellattelover
A_creationz
Sakshidevi712
chaotic_naturx