By: Jordan Matthews
Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Dec. 2, 2016
My family exists in a protective bubble. We are privileged—white, educated, and comfortably middle class. Aside from a few minor childhood challenges (I was quite the bookworm, while my partner struggles with dyslexia), we have faced little adversity. Our children are growing up in a neighborhood lacking in racial and socioeconomic diversity, enjoying good health and a plethora of opportunities to secure futures similar to ours. They have yet to experience any significant hardships.
While I am thankful for our circumstances, I am also concerned about our family’s capacity to understand and empathize with the struggles of others. It’s all too easy to remain blissfully ignorant of the challenges many individuals face outside our bubble. This insulated existence can be comforting and, at times, dangerously deceptive. It’s simple to convince oneself that the injustices we read about or see portrayed in the media are not as severe as they appear, leading to an unconscious sense of superiority.
In my twenties, a conversation with a Japanese American friend profoundly changed my perspective. He shared the irony of living in an apartment building that had previously housed detainees during World War II. I had seen this building, but until that moment, I was unaware of its historical significance. When he explained that thousands of Japanese Americans were forcibly interned by the U.S. government during the war, I felt a wave of shame wash over me. How could I have overlooked this?
It dawned on me that the reason was likely my upbringing: I had no friends who were Japanese American, and I had not learned about this part of history in a meaningful way. That day marked a significant turning point; it opened my eyes to the necessity of seeking out diverse narratives and understanding history as a multifaceted story.
Now, I strive to ask more probing questions that go beyond the surface level. I make an effort to pay attention, albeit recognizing that I remain sheltered and likely unaware of many ongoing injustices. I am committed to teaching my children to do the same. At ages 9 and 7, they have already engaged in difficult conversations, including discussions about internment camps. I choose to share age-appropriate information, saving deeper topics for when they are more mature.
Our nation, though great, is imperfect. It’s crucial for children to recognize this reality so they can grow up with a balanced perspective—appreciating their country while understanding that it has made and will continue to make mistakes. I want them to be informed citizens who notice and question what happens around them.
The Amache internment camp is located just a few hours from our home, and we plan to visit. Although it may not be the most cheerful family outing, it will be an important experience. My history-loving 9-year-old will be intrigued, while my sensitive 7-year-old might find the visit overwhelming and want to leave after a brief time. Regardless of their reactions, this trip will help them gain a clearer understanding of reality.
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In summary, teaching our children about the realities of injustice is paramount. It helps them grow into compassionate, informed adults who recognize the complexities of the world and their role in it.