Tips for discussing difficult topics
On the page How do you talk to students about distressing events? you will find tips for discussing distressing events. Many of these tips can also be used when discussing the history of slavery or the colonial past:
- Pay attention to the different reactions of different children and young people
- Pay extra attention to children and young people who feel personally connected to the topic
- Allow room for different experiences and opinions
- Acknowledge the children’s feelings and reassure them
- Give them appropriate information
- Also make sure there are sufficient opportunities for distraction
Talking about the history of slavery and the colonial past
Research shows us what is important for influencing children’s and young people’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the history of slavery and the colonial past:
Linking it to racism today
Explain that racism is still very relevant today. Share experiences of racism, for example by inviting someone with first-hand experience to give a guest lesson or by showing a video in which someone with first-hand experience talks about it.
Also show other perspectives
Pay attention to the stories of the people who were part of the resistance and fought for freedom, as well as the contributions to art, science and sport that emerged during this period.
Encouraging empathy
If you tell the story only from the perspective of the colonizers and human traffickers, you run the risk that students will adopt that perspective. Therefore, also tell the story from the perspective of the victims, in order to encourage empathy among your students.
Bringing the topic closer to home
Many white people tend to distance themselves from slavery and colonialism. For example, they say that it is a thing of the past or that their own ancestors had nothing to do with it. But because it continues to have an impact today, it affects all of us. Therefore, bring the events of the past closer to home, placing them in the Dutch context or perhaps even relating them to your own family.
Teaching materials
Do you work in education and are you looking for teaching materials about the history of slavery, the colonial past, or racism and discrimination? On Voordeklas.com you will find teaching packages from various providers.