What is Racism?

Look at the following page of definitions. Explore the links and discuss with your group a definition of your own.

Google definition page: racism

Task:
Each group write your own definition for class discussion

What is the Meaning of Racism?

Think about the history of different people in America and how their background shapes their experiences.  Explore these websites:

Task:
Use the information you have learned to help answer question 1 on the Racism Planning Sheet (PDF)

How Does Media Perpetuate Stereotypes?

Think about stereotypes you encounter in your daily life.  It doesn't need to be limited to racial stereotypes.  Explore the following websites:

A Century of Abuse: Ethnic Images on Screen
The Harm of Native Stereotyping
Arab and Muslim Stereotyping
Racism & Hispanic Culture

Task:
Complete the table in question 2 on the Racism Planning Sheet (PDF)

Task:
Click on this website and follow the directions:
What is Race - The Power of an Illusion? 

• On the front page,
  - Click on the 10 circles to learn quick facts about race.

• Click on the “Me, My Race and I” tab on the right hand side.
  - View all four slideshows.

• Click on the “Go Deeper” link.
  - Read the section under "More things to consider"

• Feel free to explore the rest of the website.

Class Activities

After exploring the website, the whole class will participate in the following grouping activities:

TONGUE-CURLING: Who can curl their tongue and who can't?

HAND CLASPING: Have everybody clasp their hands together. Which thumb is on top? Who is right-thumbed versus left-thumbed?

Task:
Think about these activities and answer question 3 on the
Racism Planning Sheet (PDF)

Activity:
Stand-in-line Activity

Alternate Activity:
Undoing Racism (PDF)

Now that you have a better idea of the causes and effects of racism...

What is there about racism that you want people to understand?
(Your action will help them reach this understanding)

Here are some questions to get you thinking:

What exactly about racism do you want to address as a group?

What is appropriate?

What are you invested in as an individual?

Task: 
Answer questions 4 and 5 on the Racism Planning Sheet (PDF)

Explore these websites to see what others have done. Get some ideas about possible actions for your PSA

Task:
After brainstorming with your group, write three “possible actions” that you could address in your PSA

Stop!
Check with the teacher before continuing to Step 2

Note to teacher: balance group personalities as much as possible

© 2005 Vickie Duax, Patricia Hernandez and Mary Phoenix