Here's the direct way.
Bigotry is not as simple as black and white. There are other races in between. Furthermore, racism is not the only form of bigotry. What about judging people on their looks? This form of bigotry is called "looksism" and it’s just as pernicious. This rash of school shootings and the Jena 6 incident have brought up the issue of bullying. No one’s condoning violence, but I hope that no one is condoning bullying. If bullying isn’t stopped it will lead to truly terrible things like job discrimination.
So, how do we tackle this? Well, everything starts with the parents and the schools. Academics are the main thing, but we must ensure that the school environment is favorable to learning and that hard work is properly rewarded THROUGHOUT ONES’S LIFE. Now teaching the difference between right and wrong is often not enough because some people think being a cooperative person is "corny". Instead we must teach them the difference between just joking around and doing things that are genuinely hurtful.
Relations (the fourth R) are currently taught through sensitivity training. The purpose of sensitivity training has always been to teach that you should love and respect all good people. This is a fine method for some; but there will always be people who just won’t listen to that kind of talk. For those people we must have a back-up plan. Our back-up plan is based on a simple premise: Get inside their way of thinking and USE THEIR OWN ARGUMENTS AGAINST THEM.
Some may say that to teach these lessons is a parent’s responsibility. Well, when enough parents aren’t living up to that obligation; the government must step in. Besides, today’s children will grow up to be tomorrow’s parents and will inevitably pass these lessons on to their own children. We can’t tell people how to run their own lives, but we must prevent them from interfering with the lives of others. Our back-up plan involves posting a list of sayings in all schools. The following is one possible suggestion for what those sayings might be.
- Nobody asked to be born. Everybody has responsibilities
- Don't jump to conclusions. People will react to the way you treat them.
- People who aren’t established are more vulnerable.
- Things that seem chosen may not be. An opinion is the same no matter the source.
- Some people want you’re respect and some people don’t. One who seems afraid may just be bored.
- Job discrimination will not make someone disappear.
- Mistakes can matter, but the big picture is the main thing.
- Know the difference between equal opportunity and equal outcome.
- First consider the needs of society before having children.
- Breaking certain taboos will lead to a burnt out culture.