The issue of violence involving boys and men of color is a complex that requires a comprehensive approach to effectively address. As parents, there are concrete steps that can be taken to help prevent violence and promote positive behaviors in their sons. Based of my experience in studying young males of color, I will provide ten concrete ways parents can stop the violence involving boys and men of color.
1. Encourage positive male role models: Parents can encourage their sons to look up to positive male role models and teach them the importance of respecting women and other individuals regardless of their race.
2. Provide emotional support: Parents can provide emotional support to their sons and teach them healthy ways of expressing their emotions so that they do not resort to violence.
3. Promote education: Parents can encourage their sons to value education and pursue academic success as a means to escape poverty and violence.
4. Build community connections: Parents can encourage their sons to build connections with their community and participate in positive activities such as sports, music, and volunteer work.
5. Teach conflict resolution skills: Parents can teach their sons how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence, such as through communication, negotiation, and compromise.
6. Encourage empathy: Parents can encourage their sons to develop empathy for others and understand the impact of their actions on others.
7. Address toxic masculinity: Parents can challenge toxic masculinity and teach their sons that being tough does not mean being violent or aggressive.
8. Advocate for policies that address systemic racism: Parents can advocate for policies that address systemic racism and inequality, including criminal justice reform and affordable housing.
9. Foster a sense of responsibility: Parents can teach their sons that they are responsible for their actions and the impact they have on others.
10. Set boundaries and consequences: Parents can set boundaries and consequences for violent or aggressive behavior and follow through with them consistently.
By taking these steps, parents can help prevent violence and promote a safer and more equitable society for all. However, it is important to recognize that these efforts are just one part of a larger solution that requires collaboration and support from communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Together, we can work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender or race, can live without fear of violence.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Strategies to prevent youth violence. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/prevention-strategies.html
Davidson, J. (2016). 10 ways to reduce violence. American Psychological Association.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/06/cover-violence
National Institute of Justice. (2014). Preventing violence against young black men and boys. https://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/violence-against-women/Pages/preventing-violence-against-young-black-men-boys.aspx
Schubiner, H., & Wallace, L. (2018). The role of parents in preventing violence. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/141/2/e20173485