Should Try More Systematically

Te Ao Hou, September 1965, Page 15

Should Try More Systematically Of course this is an impossible ideal; it would naturally be impossible to mass-produce an entire generation of enlightened teachers. But it would help if we were to try more consciously and systematically to achieve this end. Children learn their early prejudices mainly from parents, but also from other adults and from their own peers. They may observe these people's expressions of distaste for someone or something, or they may be subject to constant warnings—don't associate or play with those Maoris—don't mix with those Maoris or they'll eat you—or keep away from them or you'll catch sores or nits. Subject to such influences, the child's vulnerable and impressionable mind is likely to develop permanent prejudices.