Sandra Bullock is concerned about racism as well as sexism and homophobia when it comes to how she raises her young son Louis. So Sandra is making sure that as she prepares her adopted son for the world, Bullock helps him understand what racism means, reported People .
“Absolutely” is the term Sandra uses when it comes to open discussions with Louis. Bullock emphasizes that she keeps the lines of communication open when it comes to understanding racism, added the 51-year-old actress.
“It’s an open conversation we have. He fully understands what that means. He doesn’t understand why people judge each other based on color of the skin, but he knows they do,” clarified Sandra.
Bullock also explains sexism and homophobia as well as racism to the almost-6-year-old. She admits that it’s early in life to teach him definitions of such complex terms, but Sandra is adamant in her belief that it’s the right way to raise a child.
“He also knows that there’s sexism, he knows that there’s homophobia – he knows a lot for a 5¾-year-old, but I think if you don’t start the conversation very early on, you’re doing them a disservice,” emphasized Bullock.
Although talking about racism is difficult, Sandra wants her son to learn to recognize what’s positive as well as what’s negative while always being honest.
“Those are hard conversations to have,” admitted Bullock.
When it comes to talking about racism with her adopted son, Sandra noted that although no parent desires to tell a child that some people may judge him by his skin color rather than characteristics such as personality or intelligence, she feels it’s an essential conversation to have.
“It’s not a conversation any parent wants to have with their child, that you’ll be judged by the color of your skin rather than the content of your character, but it exists and I want him to be safe and I want him to be aware,” she added.
While Bullock has tackled racism and sexism as well as homophobia with her son, she’s also making a point of targeting equal rights in Hollywood, noted Reuters .
Sandra followed up on the topic after Jennifer Lawrence authored an essay.
“My question isn’t so much about…the wage gap, it’s a result of something bigger,” said Bullock. “I’ve said this so many times but no-one can give me an answer or wants to answer, which is ‘why are women thought of as less than? Why have we allowed that thought?’ and I am blaming myself as well.”
Why does Sandra blame herself? Bullock gave a hint when she pointed out that it was Jennifer who had the courage to come forth and state her views about gender equality in Hollywood in her essay. Lawrence asserted that she is no longer going to play the “adorable” card with regard to the issue of sexism in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to working to get women the same payment as men.
“I think you need someone like Jennifer Lawrence who’s hugely respected and successful to stop and say ‘You know what? I know I’ve got all these blessings but here are the facts… It still happens to me’,” added Sandra.
Bullock was named People’s World’s Most Beautiful Woman in 2015, and Sandra admits laughing in disbelief when she learned of the honor. But the actress also offers a different definition of beauty in discussing how she lives her life away from the spotlight with her beloved son.
“Real beauty is quiet,” opined Sandra.
Bullock admitted that in the entertainment industry, it can be challenging not to aspire to look the best. But instead, Sandra revealed that she seeks to be something based more on character than on appearance.
“Be a good person, be a good mom…The people I find most beautiful are the ones who aren’t trying,” added Bullock.
[Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images]