Reese Witherspoon Encourages Parents To Discuss Racism With Their Kids

The current protests taking place in the U.S. after the death of George Floyd have taken a violent turn, overshadowing the peaceful protests being carried out in certain places. After the death of Floyd, racism has once again become one of the hot topics on all forms of media. Celebrities have also exerted effort in educating people and their loved ones on how bad the situation is.

Reese Witherspoon, one of the renowned Hollywood celebrities, is doing her part by encouraging parents to talk about racism, hate, and bigotry with their kids and educate them on what is right and wrong.

Taking it to Instagram, the 44-year-old actress shared an emotional message in which she explained how important it is for kids to learn about these matters while they are young. Witherspoon further stated that her son has been asking a lot of questions about the ongoing protests and why people are so angry on the streets. She admitted that the conversation between her and her son has been “heartbreaking.”

“Being a white mother trying to explain racism and bigotry to her white son, who did not understand why anyone would treat another human being that way, was heartbreaking. But not nearly as heartbreaking as being a victim of one of these senseless, violent, unconscionable crimes. Not nearly as heartbreaking as being a mother who lives in fear of what will happen to her children in this world,” Witherspoon wrote.

The Academy Award-winning star went on to demand justice for Floyd’s death and insisted that people should be held “accountable” for their actions. She concluded the post by requesting parents to start a conversation about these serious matters with their children and make them understand what is happening around them.

“We have to be held accountable for what is happening in this country. What happened to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery - and countless others - can not go without justice. Please talk to your children about racism, privilege, bigotry, and hate. If you aren't talking to them, someone else is,” Witherspoon added.

LA Times reported last year that dying at the hands of a police officer was the leading cause of death among young black men in the U.S.