The films in the course are integral to the study of the issues of minority groups in the United States. The films are a way for these issues to be presented to you by the people affected by them as well as by various scholars. Therefore, you should be taking notes while you watch them. Below is a list of the films with some of the issues you should pay attention to identified and some questions that you should keep in mind and try to answer as you watch the film. After each film we will discuss the questions listed below. Be prepared.
 

"Eye of the Storm" This film is about an experiment done in Riceville, Iowa by a 5th grade teacher, Jane Elliot to teach her children about prejudice and discrimination. As you watch the film pay special attention to the way in which prejudice and discrimination were introduced, the way the children accepted and expanded it and what happened to those who dissented.

What would you have done as a student in this class at that age?

As a teacher, how would you try to teach this topic? What would you do similarly or differently from Ms. Elliot?

As a parent, how would you respond to your student participating in such as experiment, with or without your permission.? Do you think such experiments are a good way to teach this topic? Why or Why not?

"Beyond Hate: The Heart of Hatred"

This video consists of conversations with various individuals who have explored hatred. As you watch the film, think of the ways in which concern with hatred has become the focus of their lives and the energy expended on it. What role does hatred, of people, ideas, economic or political systems, play in your life?

"Race: the Power of an Institution"

The term race is used to explain human behavior but it is not clearly defined nor its effects carefully delineated. We are aware of physical differences among people but not exactly the role they play in human behavior. This film explores the issues around the term race.

"In Whose Honor?"  This film looks at the portrayal of Native Americans as sports mascots and especially focuses on the controversy over Chief Iliniwik.  Do you think these portrayals of Native Americans is honorable?

What are the implications of portraying Native Americans in this way?

How would you feel about the portrayal of the group you identify with in this manner?

"Ethnic Notions" This film looks at the depiction of Black Americans in various cultural artifacts. It identifies 6 basic stereotypes of black Americans: Mammy, Coon, Sambo, Uncle, Brute, Pickaninny, and their representation of Black Americans in various media.  Be able to describe these images.

What are the views about Black Americans that are illustrated in each of the stereotypes?

How do they represent changing attitudes towards Blacks and the relationship between Blacks and Whites changes?

Would you display such images in your home? Why or Why not?

What impact does the existence and persistence of these images have on the way in which Blacks and Whites relate to each other?

  "Nine from Little Rock," This film profiles the lives of the nine students who integrated Little Rock High. Age is not a factor in the determination to change the way blacks and whites, Asians and Hispanics relate to one another in the United States. Click here for information on the Little Rock Nine.

Why is classroom integration so controversial?

What were the goals of the Civil Rights movement?

Who was active in moving them forward?

What was achieved? What is yet to be done?

"Hispanic Mosaic" Minority groups are often seen as all the same. This is especially so when their difference from the majority is identified by language and culture which all members are supposed to share. This film looks at the differences within a minority group classified as similar by non-members.

What differences do you notice among those classified as Hispanic? What seems to be the source of these differences?

Do members of this group feel solidarity? If so, why? If not, why not?

This film presents some of the diversity within the Hispanic minority group.    What to you think is the best choice of designation for this group? Hispanic, Latino, Chicano or -American with the country of origin preceding the hyphen.  Why?

"Unfinished Business" The internment of Japanese Americans is seen by many as a grave threat to the integrity of the US Constitution. Why? See the readings provided in the Library Reserve room.

This film looks at the cases of three men (Gordon Hirabayashi, Min Yasui and Fred Korematsu) who challenged the internment order and the way in which they viewed the issues surrounding who is an American.

If such an order, for whatever reason, was executed by a US president for the group to which you belong, would you comply? If you decided to resist, what would you do? Who would speak up in defense of your group?

What fundamental ideas about being an American did this order violate?

What does this tell us about the US in wartime? Are we vulnerable to such a problem in the future?

What ethnic groups do you think might be vulnerable to internment in the event of war with their country of origin?

+"Crash"

The film depicts a typical day in Los Angeles.  It shows the way in which members of different ethnic groups encounter one another in their daily lives and the stereotypes and issues that condition the responses of individuals and arise as a result of their contact with one another.
  + If there is time, I will show this film for extra credit. It won an academy award and offers a very good look at life in multi-cultural America. You would probably have to view it more than once to be able to answer the questions well.       

Answer the following questions as you watch the film and turn it in at the end of class for up to 5 points extra credit.

1.  What is the plot of the film?  What events happen?

2.  Which groups are depicted in the film?

3.  What occupations are depicted in the film?

4.  What stereotypes of the groups are shown in the film?

5.  What relationships between the people are shown?

*"Eyes on the Prize - Fighting Back" Since the end of World War II, the Civil Rights Movement has been one of the most important collective citizen actions to deal with issues that they felt were not adequately handled in society. If you have time and interest, I recommend your viewing the whole series as it includes important at the time footage of events that occured during the Civil Rights Movement and a good analysis of the meaning of those events to life in the United States today.

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