Race no cause to be skittish in conversations, JU Sociologist Heather Downs tells Florida Times-Union

Parents ought not to be skittish when it comes to discussing race with their children, Jacksonville University sociologist Heather Downs told The Florida Times-Union for an article in its Reason section on Sunday, Feb. 17, edition.

Writer Adam Kealoha Causey’s story focused on an exhibit titled “RACE: Are We So Different?” at the Museum of Science & History downtown that runs through April 28. It features 14 Jacksonville leaders who had their genetic information examined and displayed.

Downs told the paper the exhibit offers a chance for parents and teachers to talk with children about race. Even though they may not recognize what society teaches at an early age, they may have questions about natural differences — eye, hair or skin color, Causey wrote.

Parents should answer those questions, Downs said, without any embarrassment.

“If you live in a predominantly white area and your child goes to a predominantly white school, then what are you doing to educate your kid about the realities of demographics? They’re not going to be able to stay in this world forever,” the newspaper quoted Downs. “Your kid needs to understand that not everyone is going to look like them and it’s OK.”

Click here to read the entire article.