The Impact of Jane Elliot's Method in Combating Racism
Jane Elliot, a renowned preschool educator from Riceville, Iowa, has made a significant impact in teaching people about racism. Her method, rooted in her well-known Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise, has proven to be an effective tool in combating racial prejudice and fostering a more inclusive society. In this article, we will delve into the effectiveness of Jane Elliot's approach, drawing from her experiences and the positive outcomes she has achieved.
Understanding Jane Elliot's Method
Jane Elliot's method is based on empathy and direct experience. By designating people as superior or inferior based on physical characteristics, she reveals the power of labels and the impact of discrimination. In one of her memorable experiences, she conducted a mock election for young children in 2012. The event took place in Riceville, a predominantly white town, where the participants were segregated into two groups based on eye color.
This exercise, while simple, provided profound insights. The children who were labeled as superior were modeled as having better behavior, higher intelligence, and greater worthiness, while the inferior group was depicted as having lesser qualities. The superior group was given privileges and praised, while the inferior group faced restrictions and negativity.
The results were striking: the superior group engaged in positive behavior, while the inferior group became restless, disruptive, and relegated themselves to inferior positions. However, when the groups were reversed, the previously inferior became the new superior, and vice versa. This simple exercise revealed the detrimental effects of discrimination and microaggressions.
Effectiveness of Jane Elliot's Method
The Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise has been instrumental in bringing about positive change. The experience of participating in this exercise has led many to reflect on their own biases and the impact of societal labels. For example, during the 2012 election, Jane Elliot's preschool children overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama, and she excitedly shared with me, 'the parents of these children were saying positive things about this black president.'
While Jane Elliot acknowledges that racism still exists, particularly among a minority group, she focuses on the positive impact of her method. In a predominantly white community like Riceville, the positive behavior and attitudes of children towards a black president stand as a testament to the effectiveness of her approach.
Widespread Influence and Reception
Jane Elliot's method has been adopted in various settings, from schools and workplaces to community events. Her facilitation has reached over 40 years, during which time her audience has increasingly consisted of black and brown individuals who view her as a hero. However, it is crucial to recognize that this identity as a 'hero' is not her intended purpose. Her goal is to educate people about the concept of a single human race and to foster a sense of unity and cousinhood among all groups.
Through her workshops and speeches, Jane Elliot challenges the notion of racial superiority and works towards creating a more inclusive society. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, encouraging individuals to recognize their biases and work towards change.
Current and Future Impact
Today, Jane Elliot's legacy continues to inspire and educate new generations. Her method has become a cornerstone in diversity training and prejudice reduction programs. By engaging participants in direct experiences, she helps to break down barriers and foster a sense of shared humanity. This approach is particularly effective in combating microaggressions, which can often go unnoticed but contribute significantly to a hostile environment.
The Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise is not just a one-time event but a starting point for ongoing dialogue and self-reflection. By continuing to educate and inspire, Jane Elliot ensures that the lessons of her method will resonate for years to come.
In conclusion, Jane Elliot's method has proven to be an effective tool in teaching people about racism and its impact. Through her simple yet powerful exercises, she has brought about positive change and fostered a more inclusive society. As we move forward, we must continue to embrace and learn from her approach to combat racism and promote unity.