Electronic Magazine of Multicultural Education
SPRING 2000 http://www.eastern.edu/publications/emme Vol. 2, No. 1
Theme: Stereotype, Prejudice, and Discrimination
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Electronic Magazine of Multicultural Education SPRING 2000 http://www.eastern.edu/publications/emme Vol. 2, No. 1 Theme: Stereotype, Prejudice, and Discrimination |
[This Issue] [Articles]
[Instructional
Ideas] [Open Forum]
[Reviews] [Contributors]
[Fleck] [Gorski]
[Swan and Weissbrot] [Tuleja]
[Williams]
[ Literature for Young Readers
| Professional Literature |
Videos | Websites]
REVIEWS OF RESOURCES
Adams, Pam. (1995). All Kinds: Who Cares About Race and Colour. Singapore: Child's Play International. 32 pp., ISBN: 0859533638 (hc), $7.99 (ages 4-8).
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This book is most suitable for pre-school students. With the colorful illustration, it brings out a simple and clear message: It takes all kinds to make the world. In simple language the author explains the concept of race, three racial types, and the dispersion of races. She communicates that we all belong to one big family of the human race despite our differences. This book may be a useful resource to teachers who plan a lesson to help students understand the sameness and differences among their diverse students. |
Denenberg, Barry (1999). The Journal of Ben Uchida : Citizen 13559 Mirror Lake Internment Camp.
New York: Scholastic. 156 pp., ISBN: 0590485318 (hc), $10.95 (ages 9-12).
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This diary was created by the author on the basis of his extensive historical research on the internment of Japanese-Americans after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. The composite diarist is Ben Uchida, a 12-year-old American boy who was born to Japanese immigrant parents. The fact that the diarist is a fictional character does not diminish the realistic quality and accuracy of the historical event portrayed in the story. Ben's story is realistic and heart-wrenching. The book also includes numerous historical photographs depicting the event. This informative and creative book can be a great resource for social studies and language arts lessons in upper elementary and middle school grades. |
Estes, Eleanor (1988). The Hundred Dresses. San Diego, CA
: Harcourt Brace. 81 pp., ISBN: 0156423502 (pb), $6.00 (ages 4-8).
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Wanda Petronski lives way up in shabby Boggins Heights, and she doesn't have any friends. Every day she wears a faded blue dress, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if she didn't tell her schoolmates that she had a hundred dresses at home--all silk, all colors, and velvet, too. This lie--albeit understandable in light of her dress-obsessed circle--precipitates peals of laughter from her peers, and she never hears the end of it. One day, after Wanda has been absent from school for a few days, the teacher receives a note from Wanda's father, a Polish immigrant: "Dear teacher: My Wanda will not come to your school any more. Jake also. Now we move away to big city. No more holler Polack. No more ask why funny name. Plenty of funny names in the big city. Yours truly, Jan Petronski." Maddie, a girl who had stood by while Wanda was taunted about her dresses, feels sick inside: "True, she had not enjoyed listening to Peggy ask Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet, but she had said nothing.... She was a coward.... She had helped to make someone so unhappy that she had had to move away from town." Repentant, Maddie and her friend Peggy head up to Boggins Heights to see if the Petronskis are still there. When they discover the house is empty, Maddie despairs: "Nothing would ever seem good to her again, because just when she was about to enjoy something--like going for a hike with Peggy to look for bayberries or sliding down Barley Hill--she'd bump right smack into the thought that she had made Wanda Petronski move away." Ouch. This gentle Newbery Honor Book convincingly captures the deeply felt moral dilemmas of childhood, equally poignant for the teased or the tormentor. Louis Slobodkin, illustrator of the 1944 Caldecott Medalist Many Moons, brings his wispy, evocative, color-washed sketches to Eleanor Estes's time-proven classic about kindness, compassion, and standing up for what's right. (Ages 6 and older) --Karin Snelson (Reprint by permission from Amazon.com ) |
Gainer, Cindy (1998). I’m Like You, You’re Like Me.
Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit
Publishing. 48 pp., ISBN: 1575420392 (pb), $10.95 (ages 4-8).
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Aiming
at young children, this book poignantly presents the message of tolerance
and respect for others. Expressed in simple language is the core
message: We are alike in some ways and
different in other ways. Although our skin colors and looks may be
different, we can still enjoy being together and learning from each
other. Even when we do not agree with each other,
we still can be kind to each other. The brilliant illustration
of children of diverse backgrounds enhances the attractiveness of the book.
An excellent leader's guide to the book, rich in activity ideas and lesson plans, is also available to reinforce the emphasis of the book (ISBN: 1575420406). |
Knight, Margy B. (1996). Who Belongs Here: An American Story.
Gardiner, ME :
Tilbury House Publishers. 40pp., ISBN: 0884481697
(pb), $7.16 (ages 9-12).
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Through a real story of a young Cambodian
refugee, this thought-provoking book
asks a fundamental question of who belongs here in the U. S. Nary, a 10-year-old
boy, came to settle in the U. S. after having escaped a civil war in
Cambodia and having lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. His wish
for a
peaceful life in America did not come true easily. His classmates were mean to him, calling him names
and telling him to go back where he came from. He realized he had no
place to return. The author skillfully juxtaposes Nary's story with factual information
on immigrants. This book not only tells a moving
story from a child's perspective, but also confronts readers with
challenging questions regarding immigration, prejudice, and
discrimination. An easy-to-use teacher’s guide, prepared by the author and T. Chan, is available (ISBN: 0884481115). The guide provides instructional ideas in the subject areas of language arts, music, arts, social studies, and physical education. It also suggests several ways to use the illustration effectively. |
Mochizuki, Ken (1995). Baseball Saved Us. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books. 30pp., ISBN: 1880000199 (pb), $5.56 (ages 4-8).
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The evacuation order of Japanese-Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor made "Shorty" and his family move to an internment camp along with many other Japanese- Americans. In the camp they had to bear the hardship of living in a difficult environment: extreme temperature, dust storms, and no privacy. Being confined in an endless desert, Shorty’s dad decided to build a baseball field. A baseball league was formed in that unlike place. By playing baseball Shortly was able to demonstrate dignity and self-respect to the guards watching them. Even after being released from the camp, he continued to do his best on the ballfield and was able to channel his anger through playing baseball in the face of racial discrimination. The dreary tone of the illustration brilliantly matches the mood of the story. It is most suitable for young readers. |
Payne, Lauren (1997). We Can Get Along: A Child's Book of Choices.
Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc. 36pp., ISBN: 1575420139
(pb), $7.96 (ages 4-8).
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This
book encourages young children to make a choice to get along with
each other despite differences.
Written in a simple language and colorfully illustrated, the book
realistically acknowledges that people do not always get along with each other
and sometimes do or say hurtful things to each other. Yet, it
clearly communicates that peaceful behaviors and positive conflict resolution
will present more pleasing consequences--happiness and friendship.
Expanding the focus of the book, the leader’s guide (ISBN: 1575420147) provides activity ideas suitable for classroom and home. The lesson plans and reproducible pages would be excellent resources for conflict resolution instruction. |
Sebestyen, Ouida (1996). Words By Heart. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
144pp., ISBN: 0440226880 (pb), $4.99 (ages 9-12).
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As her family was the only black family living in the southwestern town in 1910, Lena received too much unwanted attention to her skin color. Instead she wanted to draw the attention of her classmates to her intellectual ability. Hoping to be admired for her "magic mind" and to make her father feel proud of her, Lena was determined to win the Scripture-reciting contest. But winning does not bring approval from her peers. Instead of honor, it brings violence and death to her home. This tragic story illustrates African-American struggles in a dark period in U. S. history. Adolescent readers may be able to relate to characters personally in this well-plotted and compelling story. |
Surat, Michele (1989). Angel Child, Dragon Child. New
York, NY: Scholastic. 35pp., ISBN: 0590422715 (pb), $3.99
(ages 4-8).
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This book tells a story of a little Vietnamese girl, Nguyen Hoa, who came to the U. S. without her mother.. While trying to make adjustment to the new environment, Nguyen Hoa feels lonely and misses her mother. At school, a White boy's consistent teasing of her traditional clothes and accent makes her life miserable. A small picture of her mother, which she carries around in a matchbox, is her only source of encouragement. After a fight, Hoa and the boy, Raymond, end up reconciling. After learning that Hoa's mother is still in Vietnam because her family has no money to send for her, Raymond suggests that the school hold a fair to raise funds to help Hoa's family. Through the story of the immigrant girl, the author skillfully and clearly communicates a message that misunderstanding causes prejudice and that prejudice can be resolved by learning more about others. Although the story development from conflict to resolution seems to be prematurely forced, the hopeful ending can be gratifying to young readers. |
Uchida, Yoshiko (1988). Journey to
Topaz. Berkeley, CA:
Creative Arts Book. 160pp., ISBN: 0916870855 (pb), $7.96 (all ages).
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This autobiographical fiction is based on the author's personal experience with the relocation of Japanese-Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Like many of the Japanese-American families, Yuki and her family were uprooted from their homes, separated from friends, and were sent to a camp in Topaz. This story tells how Japanese families endured injustice and discrimination with courage and perseverance. The story is compelling and tragic, but not bitter and accusatory. Like other writings of Uchida, the story is not overly moralistic; rather, readers are expected to take away an important lesson of justice. This book can be an excellent supplementary reading for middle and high school students in a social studies lesson dealing with related issues. |
Yep, Laurence (1992). The Star Fisher. New York, NY: Puffin. 150pp., ISBN: 0140360034
(pb), $3.99 (ages 9-12).
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Drawing from his mother's experience, the author depicts the struggles of a Chinese family who moved to an all-White community in West Virginia in 1927. Joan and her family moved from Ohio to the new town in search of a new life. Instead of being welcomed, they received racist taunts. It did not matter to town people that Joan and her siblings were born in America and were Americans. In the midst of prejudice and discrimination, it was courage and patience that carried this family through the hardship. They fought to stay. A Chinese folk tale, "the Star Fisher," was a source of comfort to Joan and her sisters. Interweaving masterfully humorous scenarios of friendship and family interactions, the author turns the book into an entertaining lesson for all. |
Yep, Laurence (2000). The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung : A Chinese Miner. New
York, NY: Scholastic. 224pp., ISBN: 0590386077 (hc), $7.67 (ages 9-12).
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It is 1852, and 10-year-old Wong Ming-Chung,
Bright Intelligence--or Runt, as he is most
commonly called--has arrived at the gold mines of California after a dangerous journey from China.
Exchanging the famine and war of his native country for the brutal bullies and grueling labor in
America, Runt joins his uncle and countless others in the effort to strike it rich on the great "Golden
Mountain." Unfortunately, he, and most of the rest of the dreamers, soon discover that
there's no such thing as a Golden Mountain, only dirt, mud, and tiny, occasional flecks of gold dust--flecks that
are to be turned over to the owners of the mines, in return for barely livable wages. However,
someone as clever and resourceful as Runt can still find true opportunity in this land. He and his
uncle team up to find ingenious new ways of making money, and to defend themselves against the
bitter, racist white Americans. Along the way, Runt develops lasting friendships with many people
from all over the world, learning ways to communicate with them in spite of cultural and language
differences. A thoroughly engrossing addition to the Dear America series, this historical fiction is written in the form of a diary. Laurence Yep has proven himself a master in his art, with such titles as the Newberry Honor-winning Dragonwings, among many other tales about the Chinese immigrant experience. A fictional epilogue, photos from the gold rush era, and a historical note round out this fascinating page-turner. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ( Reprint by permission from Amazon.com) |
Lee, Stacey (1996). Unraveling the "Model Minority" Stereotype : Listening to Asian American Youth. New York, NY: Teachers College Press. 160pp., ISBN: 0807735094 (pb), $18.95.
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Embracing the voices of Asian American students from an academically elite urban public school, this ethnography critically examines the "model minority" stereotype imposed upon Asian American youth. Instead of lumping all Asian-American students into one category, the author differentiates among subgroups. She was able to penetrate the world of the young people as an ethnographer and ends up fine-tuning the theory of Asian-American youth's ethnic identity, world view, and intergroup relations. Exposing the variation of academic performance among Asian-American students, she claims that the model minority image is not a realistic representation of this group; rather it is used as a "hegemonic device" by whites in the racial hierarchy. This book will provide readers with a useful insight into this conglomerate group of young people, often referred to as Asian-American youth. |
Shiman, David (1981). The Prejudice Book: Activities For
The Classroom. New York, NY: Anti-Defamation League. 113pp., ISBN: 0686748727 (hc),
$19.95.
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This book contains 35 instructional activities designed for children in middle grades between the ages of nine and thirteen years. These cross-curricular activities are concerned with topics such as perception and feeling of self and others, stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination. Each activity, presented in a lesson plan format, can be easily implemented in classrooms and workshops. Concepts and materials covered in this book are sophisticated enough that they may be used for older graders and adults. This book may become an excellent resource for multicultural educators as well as classroom teachers of social studies and language arts. |
Stephan, Walter (1999). Reducing Prejudice and Stereotyping in Schools (Multicultural Education Series.
New York, NY: Teachers College Press. 160pp., ISBN: 0807738107 (pb),
$22.95.
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This book provides a thorough, yet concise, review of literature on stereotype and prejudice. Drawing from a large body of literature on theories and over 500 studies on intergroup relations, the author discusses how stereotype and prejudice are formed and reinforced and how they could be reduced. The chapter on "contact theory," which promotes "equal status contact between majority and minority groups in the pursuit of common goals," lays a solid theoretical ground for the practical recommendations he makes in the chapters that follows. In order to improve intergroup relations in school the author suggests that individuals' view of and attitude toward outgroups be changed and skills be developed in the areas of conflict resolution and social action against prejudice. He also suggests that school culture be changed to promote positive intergroup relations. This would be an excellent resource for readers who are interested in being acquainted with the depth of literature on the topic although the recommendations may not be specific enough to satisfy those who seek ready-made ideas to implement in their classrooms. Nevertheless, this manageable size of the text provides a comprehensive and engaging reading of the topic. |
Hartley, Heather (Producer), & Buba, Tony (Director). (1995). Small differences. 20 minutes, color. Produced by Braddock Films. Distributed by Program Development Associates.
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This video intends to increase the public awareness of children with disabilities. This unique, and compelling, video was produced by children with disabilities to demonstrate that they have feelings, emotions and diverse interests just like other children; that they should not be looked at only as "children in wheelchairs" or "children who cannot see"; and that they desire the same kind of acceptance and opportunity as other children. Children in the video share their feelings about stereotypes and prejudice that they have encountered in their lives. Adults with disabilities are also interviewed, and they share their stories of how they have overcome prejudice and adjusted to their restricted conditions. Parents of children with disabilities remind us that peer acceptance also is important to these children. This video can definitely help children without disabilities gain sensitivity toward those with disabilities. Those with disabilities can be empowered by the positive role models presented. A study guide accompanies the video to aid the instruction of children in ages 5 through 8 and 9 through 12. |
Ina, Satsuki (Producer), & Holsapple, Steve (Director). (1999). Children of the camp:
the Documentary. 57 minutes, color. Distributed by National Asian
American Telecommunications Association (NAATA).
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This video exposes the negative psychological effect of internment and racism on individual Japanese-Americans. In group therapy, a group of Japanese-Americans, who were children in internment camps, share their feelings and experiences of the confinement. Most of their fathers were taken away and separated from their families for 2 years. They were interned in detainment camps that scattered throughout remote areas of the U. S. Living without privacy and hope, the days seemed long and hard. Even after they were released from the camps and were united with their fathers, they continued to face prejudice and discrimination in their community. These Japanese Americans were victims of wartime hysteria, racism, economic exploitation and the failure of political leadership. Their experiences of racism were horrible, painful and sorrowful, which still affect them in their adulthood. This video presents poignant examples of the adverse effects of racism on individuals. |
Symanski, Adam (Producer), & Jerrett, Shereen
(Director). (1997). Kid Nerd. 44 minutes,
color. Produced by The Cinema Guild.
Distributed by West Glen Communications.
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Adults from different walks of life talk about their painful experiences of being discriminated against as children and teenagers because of the social label of "nerds" they were bearing. These adults are accomplished in their careers, yet some of them still carry in their hearts wounds from rejection, teasing, and put-downs during adolescence. This video reminds us of the damaging effect of stereotyping and prejudice on individuals. Since social labels are common occurrences in the life of adolescents, this video may provide an excellent "food for thought" in their discussions. |
Lowe, Felicia (Producer/Director). (1988). Carved in Silence.
45 minutes, color. Distributed by National Asian American Telecommunications
Association (NAATA).
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This video presents a shameful chapter of the American history when the law of the Chinese Exclusion was enforced in the late nineteen century. This law pronounced explicit discrimination against a particular ethnic group. Chinese people were singled out to be excluded from entering America as immigrants. This law was expanded to ban immigration from other Asian countries in subsequent years. Race was the sole reason for this exclusion. This video presents many unfamiliar historical facts on Angel Island, Asian immigration to the West Coast, and the prevailing social climate against Asian immigrants. This well-researched piece of work should be presented together with materials on European immigration through Ellis Island. |
Okazaki, Steven (Producer/Director). (1995). American Sons.
28 minutes, color. Produced by Farallon Films. Distributed by National Asian American Telecommunications
Association (NAATA).
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This moving presentation explores how racism shapes the lives of Asian American men. The voices of four Asian-American actors breaks the silence of this minority group. They reveal how much pain and anger racism and prejudice have caused in their individual lives. Racism affects not only individuals but also the whole community across generations. Having heard from vivid testimonies, the audience may gain a deeper understanding of the negative impact of racism and thus be able to confront it. These honest but heart-wrenching testimonies do not offer comfort but invoke action against prejudice and discrimination. A short but excellent presentation of the issue! |
Mosbacher, Dee & Reid, Frances (Producers/Directors). Straight
From the Heart (1994). 24 minutes, color.
Produced by The Cinema Guild,
Distributed by West Glen Communications.
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The video focuses on justice and human rights with regard to homosexuality. Interviews with gays and lesbians and their parents offer great insights into prejudice and discrimination they face daily and struggles that they undergo privately and publicly. Many parents have come to terms with their children's sexual orientation and offer advice to other parents of homosexual children to accept and love them. The video, narrated by a Christian minister, intends to increase the understanding of this discriminated group of people. Since many interviewees are members of different Christian denominations, this video may be used for discussion in Christian groups as well as non-religious communities. The redemptive tone of the message may help the audience to be engaged in learning more about this contentious, yet compelling, issue of justice and human rights with open-mindedness. |
Appleby, David, Graham, Allison & Ross, Steven (Producers/Directors). (1993). At the
River I Stand.
59 minutes, color. Produced by California Newsreel.
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Incorporating many news clips from the 1968 Memphis sanitary workers' strike, this video presents how African American fought for equal rights through non-violent movement. The strike was against civic and economic injustice. The logo they carried along, "I am a man," speaks loudly for how they--working-class African-Americans especially--felt about discrimination and themselves. They struggled to be respected as human beings and treated with dignity. This video presents an excellent example of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership in the civil rights movement for poor people. |
Rosell, Robert and Patricia McDermott-Rosell (Producer), & Rosell, Robert
(Director). (1993). The Diversity Series.
74 minutes, color. Produced by Quality Media
Resources.
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This comprehensive series consists of four programs: "On the threshold of change," "Gender and sexual orientation," "Race, ethnicity, language and religion" and "Age and physical ability." Focusing on the legal, ethical and practical definitions of diversity, the series addresses various issues of discrimination at workplace. Each program includes thought-provoking, realistic, scenarios to stimulate discussions. The topics for discussion include acceptable behaviors in the workplace, mutual respect despite individual differences, self-examination of fear, and benefits of diversity. Although this video focuses on issues in workplace, its engaging approach against discrimination and prejudice is applicable to any situation. The video comes with a comprehensive facilitator's guide. Helpful handout pages are incorporated into the guide. |
Southern Poverty Law Center
http://www.splcenter.org/splc.html
This website would be helpful for those who want to combat hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation. It consists of classroom resources and activities. While articles from the Teaching Tolerance magazine are highlighted, a list of reading materials are recommended. Low-cost resources for educators are available for ordering, and free print resources are provided to individual educators upon request. Students also benefit from the list of recommended websites on peace, multicultural learning, diversity and equity issues.
Those who are interested in incorporating cultural arts in education would find this website helpful. This site provides an interactive space for sharing questions and ideas regarding cultural arts and education. With the emphasis of incorporating folk arts, folklore, oral history, and community culture into education, it provides an online catalog on culture and resources on folklore-related education. The site also has a search capability to search for something in particular.
This wonderful website is full of many resources needed by educators. It consists of classroom resources, classroom support resources, professional resources and special topics. For multicultural education, there are resources under different categories and interests. Links under various ethnic groups are interesting and informative. A section of multicultural book review contains a number of instructional books. Teachers may find the multicultural web links helpful. Both teachers and students will find useful information from this site.
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