The most interesting part of the social psychology chapter to me was the section on prejudice and discrimination. I had always thought that prejudice and discrimination, especially based on race, ethnicity and whatnot, was something that children learned from the people around them over a significant period of time.
Jane Elliot's classic Brow eyes v. Blue eyes study put that notion to rest. Almost immediately after outlining the new hierarchy that whichever eye color was better, the children were hooked. They took almost no time at all debating whether to believe her or challenge it and started to treat it as fact. I was surprised at how easily the blue eyed children stepped up into the dominant role, but I was even more surprised at how passively the brown-eyed children fell into the submissive role. They put up no fight and accepted their "fate." It was also unsurprising, yet still very important to not the difference in performance of the two groups, with the dominant side performing better.
This makes me extremely concerned for the people who still face discrimination today. If we continue to treat some groups as second class citizens who are "lesser" than the white, privileged heteronormative ideal citizen, they may be hindered in their development and success throughout life by way of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we continue to shame certain people instead of encouraging them, who's to say that they have an equal chance at anything?
DS Make-up: SOC- Blue v. Brown
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This makes me think a lot about how young children in Germany during WWII were taught about how much better blonde hair and blue eyes are. Without even questioning why, it was known that the children with those traits immediately played a more dominate role over those with darker features. I agree with the fact that it's very important not to discriminate, especially at a young age when so much learning is happening.
I really enjoyed this post because you referenced something that is such a perfect example that shows how easily prejudice and racism can begin, and how crucial it is for child development to be monitored. This post can also be referenced to the eugenics movement, the Holocaust, and many other forms of genocide that have occurred. I'm glad you posted about the importance of how children are taught, and the impacts that even the smallest statements can have on a child's point of view. I also liked that you discussed how easily the children fell into their "roles", and how ridiculous that really is. I had never thought of that before, and you definitely made me think more about the Brown eye Blue eye experiment. Thanks for the new perspective!
I completely agree! I am a firm believer that government programs and company policy cannot effectively create an equal opportunity workplace. It is up to the citizens from top to bottom to create a prejudice/discrimination free society whether it be race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.