Many of the programs highlighted in the report and others have compiled impressive records based on the responses of program participants. Also needed are longitudinal studies that track the impact of desegregated experiences and integrated neighborhoods on the attitudes and life choices of children who grow up in such settings. Support is needed for the production and distribution of materials and tools for children, educators, and parents to provide direct assistance in improving intergroup relations. Many people we spoke with in the course of this project expressed a strong desire to work on improving intergroup relations and the need for help in beginning and continuing the process. Work on improving intergroup relations cannot start too early.
Research shows that pre-verbal children notice color and gender differences in people.
Even at this early age, children are far from color-blind and by the age of three, many children already show bias across racial lines. Preventive efforts with young children may be the most effective. The goal of integration has been replaced by less active terms such as tolerance and anti-racist. We seem clear as to what we don't want to be, or experience, but less clear about what we would like to become individually and as a country. We should see that as a strength, not a weakness.