Crayons - Don't be caught in the middle of the box - Essay Example

Prejudice and stereotyping are actions that have their origins in this institutional form of racism. The form refers to the idea, values, or notions that individuals hold regarding a color, while the latter similarly is where some assume that by being a certain color, that an individual will hold certain attributes. Discrimination is where these various ideologies are transcribed into action that could even be violent against one of color. Application of key terms Those placed in a vulnerable position in the experiment were not colored, although they had the trait in common of possessing blue eyes.

They were on the whole and sequentially laughed at, scorned, and likewise had exposure to general cruel treatment by Jane Elliot and the “brown-eyed” or “non-blue eyed” participants. In other words, they were discriminated based on their eye color of blue, which could be determined as being their “race.” Racism was unavoidable in this scenario as Jane Elliot was ruthless, since she described that racism, sexism and the like are all not without their harm. Posters were displayed in the classroom that portrayed certain stereotypes, or placed the “blue-eyed” students at risk of being exposed to prejudice, or prejudging of who they are whether it be their right to vote, or other anti-blue remarks.

Several of the “blue-eyed” students were clearly uncomfortable when the institutionalized racism was made evident, while others lost their cool completely. Even the one student who left the classroom in tears and very angrily could not avoid the racism as the cameras followed her, even outside of the school. Rather than offering an apology, she left the group, and this is evidence that racism can be extremely damaging to certain individuals. The brunette blue-eyed “girl” in the front row who ended up in tears was very calm and collected in her comments and thoughts at first, but became increasingly more upset as the experiment continued.

I would suppose that this was among the few times that she was exposed to harsh treatment, so it was only a matter of time before she was no longer able to keep her composure. As each of the students were interrogated, prejudices emerged that the blue-eyed were not ready to learn, were quick to talk back, prone to emotional outbursts, and were otherwise incompetent to function within the context of the classroom. Reaction to the film I felt uncomfortable while watching the film when the blue-eyed participants became increasingly flustered and began crying.

I think that despite the temporary discomfort that it caused the participants, the experiment was helpful in bringing to the surface the notion that racism is real, and as a result has a real effect. The part most memorable to me was the girl with the bandana on her head or left the room mid-experiment. I felt that the experiment was somewhat difficult to relate to in our modern age where paper, pencils and such instruments are becoming outdated. Further, there seemed to be a lack of technology or mobile devices in the film, some things that are unavoidable these days.

In order for the experiment to have a greater influence, if conducted among a modern classroom’s inhabitants, it would have to be adjusted for the respective time period. Nonetheless, I would recommend this depiction of the experiment to others, especially those who may not be used to being on the