Rafaela Stålbalk Klose: "Start talking to children about anti-racism early."
Books and stories are fantastic tools – they help children feel empathy, see the world from different perspectives and understand that they them...
Rafaela Stålbalk Klose: "Start talking to children about anti-racism early."
Rafaela Stålbalk Klose: "Start talking to children about anti-racism early."
Books and stories are fantastic tools – they help children feel empathy, see the world from different perspectives and understand that they themselves can be part of the change. Get to know Rafaela Stålbalk Klose, a journalist and author who mainly writes about culture and gender from a social perspective. For OLIKA she has written the book Farmors hattar (Grandma's Hats) and the foreword to Min färg, din färg (My Color, Your Color), a handbook of anti-racism. Now we have asked Rafaela some questions and are so happy that she wanted to answer them!
Hi Rafaela! Who are you?
– Hello! My name is Rafaela and I am a journalist, writer and a great lover of stories, whether they are told on the radio, in books or through people I meet. I am also the mother of Love and Ella. I was born in Rio de Janeiro and moved to Sweden when I was five years old.
You are a journalist, what is the best thing about your job?
– The best thing is that I get to be curious every day. I love asking questions and listening to people's stories. I'm constantly learning something new, while it helps me understand the world a little better.
Do you have any tips on how to best talk to children about anti-racism?
– I believe in starting to talk to children about anti-racism early, in a way that builds on the fundamentals: that all people are of equal value and that it is important to be a nice friend. Children often have a strong sense of justice, so the conversations are a lot about listening to their thoughts, asking open questions and giving them words to understand and put into words injustices. Books and stories are fantastic tools – they help children feel empathy, see the world from different perspectives and understand that they themselves can be part of the change.
You have written the book Grandma's Hats, Max's grandmother has hats from all over the world, where is the best place in the world, in your opinion?
– The best place in the world is where people can be themselves fully. For me personally, the best place is also wherever my children and my family are. When I'm with them, I feel at home no matter where I am. If I had to choose a physical place, I would probably say a warm place near the sea.
Tell us about your favorite hat!
– I love my mother's wide-brimmed hats from when I was a child – they still smell a bit of her 80s perfume, and every time I put one on I feel like time stands still. I'm also fascinated by hats that carry a strong history and culture. For me, it's probably more about what they represent than what they look like.
What are you working on right now?
– Right now I have several exciting projects in the works. Among other things, I am working on a script for a fiction book that I plan to pitch to a publisher before the summer. I also write articles and do radio shows about music. My family and I currently live in Los Angeles, and it is both inspiring and energizing to be right in the center of the world's cultural entertainment.
What makes you happy?
– Kind people, sun and warmth. Eating good food, dancing, experiencing a nice exhibition or a magical performance. A well-written book, a song that hits the spot, being able to create something of my own and gather loved ones. I am also happy and grateful to be healthy, live in a safe society and see my children happy.
What makes you angry?
– Injustice in all its forms, especially when people abuse their power to belittle or silence others.
What do you dream about for the future?
– I dream of a world at peace, with a sustainable climate, where all people – especially children – can feel free, safe and hopeful, no matter where they live.
Do you have any tips for our readers?
– Yes, you can follow me on Instagram @rafaelastalklose to keep up with what I'm up to. My tip is to take in culture that doesn't just confirm old stereotypes, but shows what the world and the people who live in it actually look like.
What are your glimmers in everyday life?
– When someone does something unexpectedly kind, a song that reminds me of something nice or a lovely chat with a friend or stranger.
Thank you so much for letting us talk to you Rafaela! 🌼
Text: Theo Dahl
👋🏾Check out Rafaela's book Grandma's Hats and My Color, Your Color - with a foreword by Rafaela!
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