Jane Elliot Video: Discrimination In The Classroom

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After watching the Jane Elliot Video we have to be amazed with her findings and results. We can clearly see that the project was a success and had lasting results. I think that this is a lesson that everyone can learn and apply to our everyday lives. Times may change, but I think that there will always be some form of prejudice and we have to be willing to address that as teachers. In the beginning, we see a normal class taking place, all the students are being friendly to each other and seem to be having fun. Yet, as soon as she informs that the one group is better than the other the situation changes. It is at this point that we begin to see the children start role playing. In both cases the superior group begins to look down on another group …show more content…
In both situations the children inform the teacher that they did good or bad because of thier eye color. This in itself shows us just how serious the children took this experiment. Another key point being made is obviously discrimination based on a person's appearance. This study was performed during the Civil Rights Movement at a time that the blacks were considered a much lesser race. Yet, Elliot does such a good job demonstrating to the children that discrimination goes far beyond skin color and that people are discriminated against for numerous reasons. She also shows them how it feels to be discriminated against and the negative effects that it has on a person. Even though the Civil Rights Era may be over in the United States does not mean that the discrimination problem is solved. As teachers, we will all see many different types of discrimination in which we all handle differently. We can clearly see and hear the success of Elliot's study so why not use it in the classroom. I think that she definitely has some great ideas that every teacher could use and expand on to improve their