Minority Student

[Lolly538]

My 7yr old son is the only child of his race in his 2nd grade classroom (he is a blond/blue-eyed white child, most other students are hispanic).  Two weeks ago he told me that last year when he was in 1st grade 3 or 4 kids pulled him aside, surrounded him, and told him that his hair was "too blond."  Then last week when we were eating dinner he suddenly said that he wished his hair were black, and that when he's older he's going to dye it black.  I told him that he has beautiful hair, and that everyone is different and that's a good thing.  His father and I have discussed racial discrimination with him, and have told him that some very ignorant people judge others based on the way they look or based on their race.  It is heartbreaking to think that our son wants to change a fundamental part of himself - something that can never be changed.  My son is so incredibly sweet, intelligent, funny and perceptive.  He can also be insecure and defensive at times.  
I also went to a predominately-hispanic school in which the biggest insult you could throw at someone would be to call him a "white boy," and I saw the very negative effect that had on my introverted (white) brother.  I'm worried about what's in store in the future for my son if he doesn't have the confidence necessary to deal with this kind of thing.  
We plan to get him involved in some kind of sports this fall.  Do you have any other suggestions for building a boy's inner-confidence?

[Lolly538]

Thank you for the comment.  No, haven't talked to anyone at the school.  I just found out about this a few weeks ago, and the incident happened last year.  That doesn't really matter, though... I should talk to his teacher and principal and I will.  

We'll probably try to get him into a more diverse school next year.  Thanks again.  

[margypops]

This does happen I would want my child to go to a more culturial diverse school if it was possible, as he will continue with problems,its hard to build up his confidence if he will have years of this kind of attitude. Have you spoken to the teachers about this behavior maybe they could watch out,Good Luck ..