Finding things in common may help build bridges.

Dear Foxy,

«I do try to cut down on media influences. However, it's
becoming increasingly difficult having friends and family,
especially grand-children, who want to discuss things that
are happening on the news.»

What counts is that you are trying.

About grand-children, they look up to you for education and personal example - as an adult and elder, you carry the burden of responsibility, even if it is difficult. Over the years they were accustomed that grandma likes to talk about the news, perhaps they even listen to the news because they think it pleases you, so the first time you tell them "this is not important" they might not believe you, it could take several attempts before they do.

Hi Yuyutsu,

My grand-children ask me questions about what they hear on
the news - and also what they hear at school. I try to
explain things to them as best as I can.

You and I both know that although Australia's political
leaders often talk about our country's multicultural
credentials and they make sweeping statements about our
unmatched success in diversity - we both know that the
reality is somewhat different.

National survey results show that 11% of respondents have
self-identified as "prejudiced" against other cultures.
A further 25% neither agreed nor disagreed.

We do have legislation like the Race Dsicrimination Act
and we have formally abandoned the White Australia
Policy, yet racism still remains an every day experience
for many non-white Australians.

And, it's something that I can't ignore when my grand-children
ask questions.

A few years ago the Australian Human Rights Commission found
of 2,490 most senior positions in the country - 76% had
Anglo-Celtic backgrounds, 18% had European backgrounds,
less than 5% had a non-European background and 0.4% had an
Indigenous background.

COVID brought out many incidents of racism against Asian
Australians, particularly Chinese Australians including
vandalism and racist slurs.

We haven't been able to develop a credible strategy to address
the root causes of racism. Whether it's against Indigenous
people, refugees, temporary migrant workers, students, or
other minority groups.

Many Australians remain incapable of even talking about the
subject of racism in our midst. Let alone discuss what
should be done about it.

Have a look at what the popular topics are on this forum and
which are avoided or labelled with derogatory terminology.

The best that seems to be on offer regarding many complex
issues is - segregation, and cutting immigration to certain
non-white and non-Christian types,

That's why explaining things to my grand-children to me is
important. As is seriously trying not to prejudice them
in their thinking. Trying to keep a balance, and remain fair.
So that they will eventually be able to think for themselves.

Yuyutsu,

Education is key. As is teaching them to respect others
and their religions, race, languages, ethnicities, and cultures.

Yuyutsu,

For a bit of light relief:

I just saw on the internet a child's t-shirt on
which was written:

"Be careful what you say to me
My Granma is Crazy
And I'm not afraid to tell on you."

Dear Foxy,

You should surely teach your grand-children the eternal truths,
doing your best so that they grow up to be of moral disposition and good character.

Teach them that all people are made in the image of God, regardless of ethnicity etc.,
yet it is not your roll to know in detail and inform them what government is presently doing, or whether it is successful or not,
thereby wasting your time and getting unnecessarily agitated -
all your grandchildren need to know from you is that there exist people who do not respect others and their ways,
that there will always be people like that, yet they should not follow their example.

If they present you with current examples, then you ask them to tell you the facts and details, then based on their stories you remark:
"Hmmm, this is nice" or "Oh oh, this is not nice, you should not behave like them".

Remember that you cannot fix the whole world, so let not that burden you,
but since it is within your reach to support your own grandchildren, do so happily and calmly,
that way your words will impress them the most.