Imitating Prejudice

I spent the majority of my first grade year sitting in a tree- watching the other kids play ball. I was too clumsy to join them and so I spent recess by myself, clambering through branches and trying to convince myself I didn't mind. I was sure I was the only one to feel relief at the sound of the bell signaling that it was time to return to class and if anyone had told me I was lucky to suffer no worse exclusion I wouldn't have believed them. But I was. I was neither bullied nor shunned and could join in the occasional activities that didn't involve the ability to throw or catch. Not only is play painful for many children but it also has the potential to be damaging. Children establish power structures, often backed by an established social order and those excluded at a young age may come to believe in their lesser value. "Girly" games such as playing with dolls may be treated as inferior and those with disabilites are often excluded. Children may also experiment by the adult world in ways that include trying on its prejudices. The children who are viewed by their peers as closest to this world may have the greatest power- and often the easiest way to establish their knowledge is by targeting those who society teaches them possess a weakness.