Questions and Answers
What was the experiment initiated by the teacher after MLK's death?
The teacher decided to treat children with blue eyes differently than those with brown eyes.
In the study, which group of children was considered superior?
How did the teacher influence her students?
She taught them to treat everyone equally, regardless of color or race.
What did students become aware of during the experiment?
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The experiment with young kids showed that _________ made them feel less than a person.
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What was a result of the experiment with the kids?
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How did adults respond to the teacher's experiment?
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What did the teacher want to achieve with the experiment?
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The adults in the experiment were easy to get to comply.
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What did blue-eyed participants feel when they experienced discrimination?
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Study Notes
Experiment Overview
- Conducted by a teacher who differentiated students based on eye color following Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.
- Focused on blue-eyed children being treated as superior compared to brown-eyed children.
Blue and Brown Eyes Dynamic
- Blue-eyed children received preferential treatment: longer recess times and opportunities for better treatment.
- Brown-eyed children faced discrimination and were treated poorly.
- This setup highlighted the arbitrary nature of prejudice and discrimination.
Teacher's Influence and Lesson
- The teacher aimed to instill the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of physical traits.
- Students recognized that societal biases exist against people of color but acknowledged that attributes like eye color do not define morality or worth.
Classroom Experiment Outcomes
- The experiment revealed that blue-eyed children experienced increased confidence and academic performance during preferential treatment.
- Brown-eyed children's feelings of discrimination led to diminished self-worth and academic performance.
Reaction to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death
- The teacher reacted negatively to comments from white commentators regarding leadership, reflecting on the racial dynamics in society.
Long-term Reflections on Racism
- Years after the experiment, certain men began to evaluate racism in their personal relationships, considering if partners displayed racist attitudes.
Adult Experiment Dynamics
- An extension of the experiment to adults faced challenges, as compliance was harder to achieve.
- Some participants were oblivious to their privilege and exhibited disruptive behavior during discussions on equality.
- Findings indicated that societal awareness regarding racial issues was lacking among some blue-eyed participants.
Learnings from Discrimination
- Blue-eyed individuals reported discomfort when subjected to discrimination, understanding the impact of oppressive treatment.
- Discussions often revealed that individuals felt compelled to align with those who are favored by society.
Teacher's Goals and Perspectives
- The teacher aimed to end the need for such experiments, desiring a shift towards a more equitable society.
- She believed that white individuals surrounded by others like them lack exposure to diversity and do not possess a unique identity.
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Description
Explore the concepts from 'A Class Divided,' focusing on the impact of prejudice and discrimination in an educational setting. This quiz highlights key terminology and ideas surrounding the experiment conducted by a teacher after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Test your understanding of the themes and lessons learned from this significant study.
