Teaching Tolerance

Crimes of violence committed by children against children are on the rise. In this groundbreaking and unique book, author Sara Bullard, director of Teaching Tolerance, a division of the Southern Poverty Law Center, shows that once a parent is aware of the attitudes they were raised with, it will be easier for them to teach their children true tolerance toward others. In Teaching Tolerance, she offers a prescriptive guide for parents to examine their own beliefs and hope to instill open-mindedness in their children.



Teaching Tolerance begins by focusing on the humanness of intolerance--no one is truly exempt from the habit of judging others. Bullard outlines the work required to alter these intolerant instincts. Throughout the book, readers find encouragement for private journal writing that will help clarify their own history of tolerance and intolerance, as well as suggestions for activities that can be undertaken as a family. The latter half of the book discusses children's particular needs for security, self-expression, and moral guidance that, if respectfully met by their parents, will free them to be comfortable both with themselves and with people of different backgrounds. Appendices include a list of organizations promoting tolerance and places parents can write to for books, music, toys, and games that will reinforce the ideas found in the book.



Teaching Tolerance is a timely, thoughtful, exemplary guide to fostering the open-minded attitudes necessary for survival in today's world.