Dealing with Hate

At what age should we talk with our children about the hate and ignorance towards Muslims that does exist in our country, albeit among fringe extremist groups? When we saw the video below showing hate rallies in Orange County outside an ICNA fundraiser for a women’s shelter, we were appalled. Elected officials spoke in slurs and death threats, and the crowd screamed insults at the children walking to the event.

If one day we unexpectedly met such a rally at a mosque or community gathering, we wonder what words of wisdom and comfort we could tell our children. We want to hear from our readers. Should we talk to our children about hate before they encounter it? Or would this be too bewildering and confusing for a young Muslim child to swallow? If you would talk about it, what would you say?