Understanding Prejudice: Gripes and Common Ground

Here is a handy video for laying the framework for a classroom or public discussion of prejudice, discrimination, and racism. The most startling character in Understanding Prejudice is self-proclaimed separatist William Pierce, who, with his copy of Mein Kampf placed snugly on the bookshelf behind him, declares multiculturalism a disaster and stereotypes good. To balance Pierce's zealotry, we hear from an ACLU staff member, a white female sociologist, a Latina scholar, a militia member, a gay activist, a deaf man, and an NAACP leader. These folks take their turns commenting on or griping about hate crime, affirmative action, the role of language and labels in racism, and so on. A prismatic picture emerges, guiding students to consider all points of view. The tone of Understanding Prejudice is more clinical than emotional; that is, it may not motivate students to act against racism. However, some provocative images are used, namely footage of executions during the Vietnam War. Contrary to promotional materials, the video does not really discuss approaches to promoting tolerance. But it will encourage people to sort through their own attitudes. A good bet. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (A. Laker)