Education Resource: Race in America

Race in America

Suggested Age Group: High School to College

Thematic Summary

Race is a controversial and challenging topic for American society. The goal of this lesson is to allow students to review how influential figures and regular people have interpreted and understood race in the past. From there, students should be encouraged to discuss racial issues as they exist today, with a focus on what they expect to see in the future.

Student Activities

1. Ask students to discuss how they view race in the present day. Is it important? Should it be?

2. Browse a newspaper and select a story in which race is present. Discuss in what ways race is a factor in that story.

3. Stage a debate: students should be assigned to one side of a topic regarding race, no matter whether they actually believe in that side or not. Give students time to prepare arguments and counter arguments. Ask students to present their arguments for both sides and then present rebuttals.

Discussion Questions

From some of the videos, you hear some people saying that they do not think that race affects their judgement of people. Do you think this is a possibility for society as a whole?

What do you think is the media's role in race? Either in creating racial stereotypes or breaking them down.

What do you believe is the media's role in addressing race and racism in the future?

Is it important to talk about race? If so, why? if not, why not?

Recommended Clips

The 90's, episode 306: Race And Racism - Red, White, And Black

Suggested Clip Times: Select based on class dynamics

Theme: Race issues

Description: This video covers a very broad number of perspectives on race. Teachers should review material before showing to class as some topics might be too inflammatory or candid for some age groups.

Media Burn educational sampler

Suggested Clip Times: 13:25 - 14:57

Theme: Discussing Race

Description: Various individuals are asked to give their opinions on race.

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