Got to disagree with you here. I much prefer a world where racists at least know that they should be ashamed of holding those views (until, via code words, they realise that others hold similar views). I think it's a step in the right direction, when racists have to be closeted. Sets a better example for the young ones. TMBG put it well.
First of all, thank you very much for the walk down memory lane. Haven't listened to TMBG in far too long. What a great song. In regards to kids, I'd much rather know who is and isn't racist overtly so that the closet racists have as little interaction with my children as possible, preferably none EVER. If racism is unannounced and beneath the surface it can spread more easily and cannot be confronted head on.
You can't shelter your kids forever, they will meet racists out in the world. It's a still matter of knowing your (more subtle) enemy. But I see your point exactly.
A child's mind is a fragile thing and if I can prevent it from encountering hate and ignorance, I will. There will be plenty of time left in their life when such things will not be able to be kept at bay. For now, I'm on duty and I'm going to do my best.You can't shelter your kids forever, they will meet racists out in the world
Re-exploring this thread via the BestOf2014 list. I don't think that anyone would ever suggest I was "sheltering" my children by not allowing them to, for example, spend the night at a friends house whose parents are overtly racist. That's just good parenting in my opinion. If they're 10 years old and I'm actively trying to prohibit them from knowing that racism exists, then sure that's sheltering.