3 Movies to Discuss Racism with Kids Under 12

3 Movies to Discuss Racism with Kids Under 12 written by the Ent and the Elf on 6/19/2020
Also, this post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.

**DISCLAIMER**

We are suggesting watching these movies to start discussions. Not because fighting racism is the central theme of any of these movies (It is on one), not because they portray it perfectly, but because they can be used as a springboard into making this an open topic to discuss racism with kids. As an early childhood specialist, let me stress that letting kids lead the conversation is important and listening to them is important. Don’t worry if you don’t have an amazingly deep discussion on racism right off the bat, if you’ve opened it up for them they will most likely bring it back up later- or you can. *Also be aware that in the Color of Friendship there is derogatory language.

Here are 3 great articles about discussing racism with young kids:
1) Resource List from the Center for Racial Justice in Education
2) 10 Tips from Embrace Race
3) Discussion Article from PBS
+ our post on increasing diversity in your home with kids under 5

It seems there are endless book and movie lists out there to educate ourselves about systemic racism- but what do you watch with a kiddo under 12 to start the conversation?? Here’s 3 suggestions of movies to watch and discuss racism with kids under 12.

Movie #1: Zootopia

Know Before You Watch

Movie: Zootopia
Length: 1 hr. 50 mins.
Release Date: March 4th, 2016 (sequel coming winter 2021)
Rating: PG
Age Suggestion: 3 or 4+
Where to Watch: Disney Plus or Rent
Warnings: Use of mild language (Idiot, moron, dumb, etc). Scary imagery of vicious animals (lunging for attack, growling)

Zootopia Quick Summary:

Judy Hopps has always had the dream of becoming a cop. The problem is that there has never been a bunny cop before, but she is determined to be the first. This movie is filled with fun chase scenes, humorous DMV workers, and an underlying story that highlights bullying, stereotyping and biases in child friendly ways.

Why Watch It:

Zootopia at it’s face is a fun, cute animated movie about a bunny longing to be a cop. But, if you look just a little deeper there are some deeper reflections of our society that need to be addressed. The fear of the “Predator” species is prevalent throughout this film as some from the predator species (who have evolved over time to not eat their fellow animals- we need to be careful not to always associate ‘other’ with villain or predator) are reverting to their animalistic ways. This actually turns out to be a plot from some of the prey species to spread fear.

On top of all that, Judy Hopps is the constant role model and example of overcoming biases. Throughout the entire film, she is looked down upon for being too small and “a dumb bunny.” Judy never lets this end her dreams and continuously finds new ways to impress, even dealing with some of her own unrealized biases.

Zootopia Discussion Questions:

1) Who were the nicest characters in the film? Were they always nice?

2) Who apologizes in this movie? Why?

3) Who is being treated differently in the movie because of who they are? Have you ever seen that happen?

Movie #2: Z-O-M-B-I-E-S

Know Before You Watch

Movie: Z-O-M-B-I-E-S
Length: 1 hr. 34 min.
Release Date: February 16, 2018 (sequel released 2020)
Rating: TV-G
Age Suggestion: 5+
Where to Watch It: Disney Plus or Rent
Warnings: Some slightly scary scenes in the opening as the zombie apocalypse starts, mild violence. *The opening of this movie was tough to watch- we need to be really careful with this one because we don’t want to insinuate that immigrants (the movie seemed to be a lesson on immigration) or any racial group to an inhumane zombie. Even though the point of the movie seemed to be to humanize them, it just didn’t sit quite right in the end.
**We MUST NOT let our kids equate otherness with inequality, or not being as equally human. Needing to be controlled by the government or assimilate to be worthy (like the zombies). HOWEVER, we are still recommending using this movie because it is so popular and should be discussed! It can be a great discussion starter**

Quick Summary:

The Zombie apocalypse has occurred, but things are starting to get back to “normal.” Because of new technology, zombies now can enter everyday society, but that doesn’t mean they will be treated the same as everyone else. Zed, a zombie high schooler, looks forward to joining the football team and follow his dreams, but he may have to fight for them more than he thought he would.

Why Watch It:

First of all because of the themes. According to the laws- everyone is equal…. as long as the government controls them. Even though the society is post-racial, they need everyone to look the same and do just what they are expected to do- and you would be bullied and outcast if you didn’t. Lots of room for great conversation points.

Secondly- because it’s really cute and the dance/song numbers are along the lines of Descendants and High School Musical. (Descendants 3 discussion guide here) This is not my favorite choice to discuss racism with kids BUT it is popular right now and you can absolutely use them to talk about racism and bullying.

Z-O-M-B-I-E-S Discussion Questions:

1) Why were the people and the zombies afraid of people that were different than them?

2) Did you know that girls and people who have dark skin used to not be able to go to school? And that black and white people could not be married or be best friends?

3) Have you ever seen anyone treated unfairly? People are treated unfairly a lot, and we have to speak up when that happens. Talk about examples.

Movie #3: The Color of Friendship–
A Disney Channel Original Movie

Know Before You Watch

Movie: The Color of Friendship
Length: 1 hr. 27 min.
Release Date: February 5, 2000
Rating: TV-G
Age Suggestion: 7+
Where to Watch It: Disney Plus or Rent
Warnings: *N-word and other derogatory language*, Overt racism, violent protests, discussion of a death/murder

Quick Summary: The Color of Friendship

A spoiled south African girl is excited to go on an exchange program trip in America. In the 80’s, where she lives is still segregated. She assumes that she will be staying with a white family. Meanwhile, her host family had assumed that their exchange student from Africa would be black like them. Mahree learns about the real impact of racism and they all learn a lot about how friendship changes things.

Why Watch It:

This movie popped up every year in February and was a favorite of mine (along with Zenon and Rip Tide). It was interesting going back and watching it as an adult. It was actually based of a true story, which of course- is never quite as neatly wrapped up as the Disney version). I checked out this article where the real congressman Dellums discussed how it was easier in the year 2000 to make a movie about racism in Africa in the 80’s than it was to make a movie about the racism that plagued America in the 80’s or present time.

I remember talking about this movie a few different times with my parents, it really left an impact on me. Out of all the children’s movies that are appropriate for this age group- this is the only one that directly deals with racism head on that’s readily available. (If we’re wrong, please let us know what movies we are missing!!!!) This one is where you want to start if you want to introduce the conversation through a movie.

The Color of Friendship Discussion Questions:

1) Did any part of this movie make you uncomfortable? What about that scene made you uncomfortable?

2) What did Mahree learn about racism?

3) What did friendship change for the Dellums family? For Mahree?

What next?

-Keeping conversations open with our kids is important. If we start talking about hard things with them when they are little, it won’t be awkward for them to come talk about hard things with us when they aren’t little anymore. It takes some intentionality and taking time to discuss movies is a great place to start.

-If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out our posts on:
~Diversity at Home with Kids Under 5
~Descendants 3
~Walking Your Teens Through the Movie Just Mercy

Down The Hobbit Hole Blog and this 3 Movies to Discuss Racism for Kids use affiliate links, we only link products we think you’ll like and you are never charged extra for them. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We also use cookies to gather analytics and present advertisements. This allows us to keep writing discussion questions and telling ridiculous dad jokes. Find our other reviews with discussion questions here. Our posts about faith here. And our posts about family stuff here.