Jane Elliott's Experiment

Jane Elliott’s Class divided was a good lesson to show caucasian people how it feels to be African American in the segregated times in America. Elliot’s goal was to have white people realize that we are all human being and we should not be treated as less just based off of our skin color or any other personal characteristics. Personally, I feel the experiment was essential, especially with that young age group. Racism is a learned behavior that was developed throughout the white society. When children at a young and growing age learn how it feels to be discriminated against, they most likely would not carry it on to their adult life. The teacher is showing the children that they could possible play or live in harmony with African Americans because they are also human beings. The only thing that makes the African American and themselves different is an individual characteristic similar to eyes.

The third grade students were separated into two groups: blue eyes and brown eyes. Both blue group had a day of being superior and another day of being treated similar to African Americans at that time. The children who were once going to school as best friends and in harmony, had
But, I also feel that the experience was just a small test. Being discriminated for a few hours is nothing compared to what a black person goes through in the American society. The racism that goes on is through name calling, harassment and even violence. White people have either participated in the hate, or stood by as bystanders, and only few have actually stood up for equal treatment of African Americans. Just because a person may not be racist or hate black people, not standing up and fighting fore their equal right is still wrong. If white people still remain as bystanders, then they are just enjoying the benefits of not being discriminated