Young Matthew Is Growing Up in a Neighborhood Where Most

Multiple Choice

Young Matthew is growing up in a neighborhood where most of the families are similar to himself-white, Jewish, and middle class. His parents are happy that he has such exposure to others who share their religious and cultural backgrounds, but they are concerned that he will develop prejudice toward people who are different than himself. Which of the following tips would you give them to reduce this concern?

A) ​When it is time for him to go to school, consider schools where there is more diversity among the children. Exposure to others who are different tends to reduce prejudice.
B) ​Children do best when they are surrounded by people who are "like them," so that in the future they can better distinguish themselves from others and find their sense of belonging in their world.
C) ​Prejudice in children is a rarely-seen event, unless it is directly instructed by the parents. As long as you are not showing him prejudice, he won't learn it.
D) ​All children naturally develop prejudice, and they all naturally grow out of it. It doesn't have any negative outcomes, so relax.