What did you observe during the classroom experiment of the blue-eyed children vs. the brown-eyed children? Discuss the intersectionality you observed with some children during the experiment.
From Frontline a class divided season 1985 episode 9 PBS
During the classroom experiment of dividing the children based on eye color, several observations were made. The blue-eyed children were given privileges and treated as superior to the brown-eyed children, while the brown-eyed children were made to feel inferior and discriminated against. The teacher reinforced these attitudes by praising the blue-eyed children and criticizing the brown-eyed children.
One of the most significant aspects of the experiment was the intersectionality that was observed among the children. Intersectionality refers to the overlapping identities and social categories that individuals may possess, such as race, gender, class, and ability. In this experiment, some children experienced multiple layers of discrimination based on their eye color as well as other aspects of their identity.
For example, a brown-eyed child who was also a person of color may have felt the effects of both racial discrimination and eye color discrimination. Similarly, a blue-eyed child who was also a girl may have faced discrimination based on both her gender and eye color. These intersecting forms of discrimination can compound the negative effects experienced by individuals and highlight the complex nature of prejudice and discrimination.
Overall, the classroom experiment highlighted how power dynamics and stereotypes can influence social behavior and attitudes, and how these intersecting identities can shape individuals' experiences of discrimination. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing and challenging all forms of prejudice and discrimination in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society.