Facing Facts: Prejudice


an Internet Sampler on Prejudice

created by Michael Krauss
Academic English Studies (AES), Lewis & Clark College

Introduction | Internet Activities | Conclusion | Synthesis | Online Dictionary



Introduction

This Web Page is an introduction to the course you are about to take, 'Diversity and Civil Rights in the U.S.' The U.S., like all other countries, has positive and negative events in its history. We will study the U.S. Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 1960's. However, to truly understand this critical period of time, it is necessary to look at the prejudice and racism which made that movement necessary.

Prejudice exists in all countries and all cultures. The purpose of this Web page is to show you examples of prejudice in the U.S. This activity may be hard for you. You will probably find examples of discrimination against people from your country or ethnic group. I hope that by feeling some of the anger or hurt that others have felt, the course you are about to take will be more meaningful and important to you.

Instructions:


Internet Activities

Note: Clicking on the Internet links on this page will open a new browser window so you can get back to these instructions and activities easily. When you've finished looking at a site, close the new browser window. You will be back at this page. The "Back" button will not work. You must close the new browser window.

The Problem with Profiling (cartoon)

Want to know more about profiling? (National Public Radio report)

Activity:

  1. Write a paragraph: What do you think is the meaning of this political cartoon?
  2. How does this cartoon make you feel? Why?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.

 


Sa-i-gu, The 1992 Los Angeles Riots (article) + Short Video

Activity:

  1. Skim quickly the first five paragraphs of the article.
  2. Read carefully paragraph four about the damage that was done to the Korean community.
  3. Watch the short video clip.
  4. Write a paragraph: What are some reasons that Koreans and African Americans had such bad feelings between them?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


The Japanese American Internment

Activity:

  1. During World War II, Japanese Americans were required to sell their belongings, leave their homes and go to 'camps'. Look at the photos and follow some of the links on this page.
  2. Write a paragraph: Imagine you were an American citizen. How would you feel if you were treated as the Japanese Americans were treated? Would being in the camps be equally hard for children, teens, adults and seniors? Why or why not?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


Lynching Photos-New York Art Gallery

Activity:

  1. Lynching is when a group of people hang someone without any arrest, trial, etc. Look at these photos and read the text completely.
  2. Write a paragraph: Lynchings were often attended by whole families. Many of these photos were made into postcards and sold as souvenirs. In your opinion, what does this show about the relationship between blacks and whites in America's past?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


The TV Arab

Activity:

  1. Scan paragraphs 1 and 2. Find the words 'four myths' (myth=something not true).
  2. Write a paragraph: What are the 4 myths mentioned in this book review? Give a media example you have seen of one of these four myths. Do you believe any of these myths?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


Chief Joseph Surrenders

Activity:

  1. Chief Joseph was the chief of the Nez Perce Indian tribe which was located in the Oregon Territory. Look at Chief Joseph's picture and read his speech.
  2. Write a paragraph: What are your impressions and feelings about Chief Joseph?
  3. Who were the native people who first inhabited your country? How are they treated by your society today?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


Outrage as US 'gay bashing' victim dies

Activity:

  1. 'Gay Bashing' means beating up a person because s/he is gay. Read this article and answer the following questions:
  2. Write a paragraph: In your opinion, what percentage of people living in the U.S. are gay? In your country?
  3. Are gay people discriminated against in your country? How do you personally feel about gay people?

Name:
Email:
Write your paragraph. Click the "send" button when you are finished.


 

Conclusion

While exploring this sampler on prejudice, I hope you've learned new information and are ready to continue your course, 'Diversity and Civil Rights in the U.S.' All the students in the class will be looking inside themselves and asking, 'How am I prejudiced?' 'What kinds of prejudice exist in my home country?' 'What can I do to help remove prejudice from my life and from my country?' How should I react if I am discriminated against while in the U.S.?

Please be prepared to give your opinion about this activity when we meet together in class. I look forward to working with you!

Synthesis

Are all these examples of prejudice equal in their seriousness and potential for harm? How does one decide which types of prejudice to focus on and to try to eliminate? How can we compare these examples? Work in groups to complete this grid. It should help you to clarify your thinking!


Created by: krauss@lclark.edu
Updated: 7/6/07