Introduction
When I first watched the documentary “A Class Divided,” directed by William Peters in 1985 for PBS’s Frontline, it made me pause and think. This essay is about my thoughts on the film, which captures an experiment by Iowa teacher Jane Elliott in 1970.
I want to share how this documentary shaped my understanding of discrimination and prejudice and why its lessons still matter in our world today. After watching “A Class Divided,” I have been reflecting on the lasting impact of discrimination and prejudice. This documentary reminds us of the need to challenge and dismantle societal biases.
Discussion
Jane Elliott’s experiment, sparked by the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, divided her class by eye color to show how society treats people differently. As I saw the emotional toll on these young minds—blue-eyed students getting special treatment while their brown-eyed peers struggled with discrimination—the experiment showed me how society shapes attitudes and behaviors, even in childhood (Moughty 2020).
Years later, the former students got back together in the documentary, going on a journey of self-discovery. Their shared memories showed that the impact of the exercise stuck with them. It became a guiding force for some, shaping how they see discrimination, empathy, and societal norms (Moughty 2020). The documentary became a living example of how early experiences with prejudice can stick with you.
“A Class Divided” is not just a look back in time; it connects with what is happening today. In a society dealing with ongoing inequalities and biases, the film challenges us to think about our biases and how society contributes to discrimination. Jane Elliott’s experiment, as shown in the documentary, encourages us to think about where prejudice comes from and how education can help break down these biases (Moughty2020). It suggests that we actively promote empathy and understanding and that breaking the cycle of prejudice requires all of us (Moughty 2020). The film emphasizes the power of education in encouraging thinking and empathy, pushing us to be active participants in breaking down societal biases.
The personal stories shared by the participants in the documentary drive home the point that the impact of discrimination does not fade away with time. It stays, shaping how we see things and affecting how we deal with society’s complexities (Moughty 2020). The strong feelings in their memories remind us of the importance of dealing with discrimination early and working actively for a future where everyone is included and understood.
Finally, the documentary does not just serve as a historical snapshot; it resonates deeply with contemporary challenges. As we grapple with ongoing discrimination issues, the lessons from this documentary encourage us to confront our biases and actively contribute to dismantling societal prejudices. It is an essential reminder that societal change begins with individual responsibility (Moughty 2020). By internalizing the film’s lessons, we encourage a more inclusive, empathetic society, making the documentary’s relevance crucial in our collective journey toward equality and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “A Class Divided” is a thought-provoking exploration of discrimination and prejudice, revealing the lasting influence of educational experiments on young minds. The documentary is an enduring reminder of societal biases, encouraging viewers to address their preconceptions. Merging historical and contemporary perspectives, the film portrays the enduring effects of early exposure to discrimination, endorsing the role of education in cultivating empathy and dismantling ingrained biases. As society confronts persistent discrimination, the insights from “A Class Divided” persist as crucial, pertinent, and invaluable.
Reference
Moughty, Sarah. 2020. “A Class Divided.” FRONTLINE. Web.