Though Asian populations represent 3.3 percent of the total population, the Hispanic population represents 10.4 percent and is expected to take over as the largest minority by 2004 in Illinois. We must look at serving a more cultural diverse community not as a burden, but as an opportunity to explore and understand other backgrounds and lifestyles. This will enable the parks and recreation professional to better understand how we can be the unit of government that brings all segments of the populations together. At 3 to 4 years of age, children are better at noticing differences in other people than younger children, but they are also susceptible to believing stereotypes. The largest part of our service centers around children.
Children are the most influential element regarding cultural bigotry.
They absorb the reactions and behaviors of those around them. Swick also stresses the importance of young children developing a sense of pride in themselves and a sense of understanding of people of various cultures. According to well-established research, sometime between ages 3 and 4, children become aware of differences based on racial and ethnic background. The fourth year of life seems to be a crucial age in terms of racial awareness. These children may not fully understand racial differences, but they have begun to realize that color differences have social meaning.