I remember watching this in school about 15-20 years ago too!

I first saw one of Jane’s videos in my social work class about 20 years ago. It hit me like a ton of bricks. These days it’s even more visceral because I recognise the ways in which I’m discriminated against as well as the ways in which I have some privileges (less than most people in my ethnic group but more than my friends who aren’t white). I hope more people look into Jane’s work. It’s such a powerful example of how easy it is to fall into these discrimination traps and how it’s so worth it to fight our way out of them.

I used to be very involved in this type of activism when I was younger,. As I've gotten older and sicker, I just physically and emotionally don't have it in me anymore. It's really emotionally taxing stuff and ignorance is definitely bliss once you realize how awful reality is. But I really appreciate what you're putting out there, it needs to be known.

I’m a very firm believer in the good of selfish altruism. XD I support this movement as much for myself as for anyone else and I kinda think if more people accepted that something can be good for them as individuals and a group it might go a longer ways toward a better humanity.

Really I just can’t stay quiet sometimes. This kinda thing scares me to do and I’ve already gotten some flak for it. But I’d rather speak up than have to live with myself in silence. Nothing changes otherwise. This is what I get for joining the most outspoken blindness rights/disability advocacy group in the nation. XD

I 100% support your outspokenness!

Your link don't work

Fixed! Thanks for letting me know!

No problem

I feel i've said enough and people are leaving me.
I hate to see you leave me because I love and respect you.

I have no intention of leaving anyone. We might not be on the same side here but I do get that there’s some nuance that both sides can miss. I personally experience systemic violence, not the same as my siblings of color, but it’s there. That absolutely colors how I see this issue. However, I remember a time when I wasn’t aware of this kind of stuff. That’s why I posted this specific video: it helped me understand and I hope it can do the same for others.

As far as my wording goes in the last paragraph, I just couldn’t think of a better way to say it. I’ve lost friends over who I am before and that’s still a raw wound. Is there a better way I can phrase that that you know of?

I rewrote the last paragraph a bit. I hope that helps.

I watched the youtube video you recommended, and holy shit, is that powerful.

I honestly wish they taught that to every student in school at such a young age.
It's definitely a kick in the butt for those that get comfy with their placement in the world.

It’s like I’ve said: if it works in elementary school, it works everywhere. XD I definitely agree that Jane’s work needs to be everywhere! It shows how easy and pervasive discrimination is, but also how easy it can be to break out of that mindset.

Easier to show it young, in my opinion though.
Just to avoid cognitive dissonance in the later years about it.
Easy life lesson to be taught young.

Not that everyone at any age shouldn't see it or learn about it at the very least.
I just wish it was part of the school educational system.

Oh absolutely! Jane originally did this with her third grade class. Kids learn by watching adults; if the first behaviors they see towards different people are positive ones, they will treat other people better.

That video was amazing.

Saw the channel had uploaded another video where Jane Elliott did the same class a few years later in England with older people. It was astounding, to say the least. Really laid bare a lot of the hypocritical attitudes I've been seeing from people over here regarding the protests.

The whole class went off the rails as the white people in both groups denied racial bias existed. People so ignorant to their privileges that they threw the whole thing away to perform just how not racially biased they are while listening to nobody.

Makes me so frustrated. And there didn't seem to be any convincing them.

Cognitive dissonance is really powerful and a lot of people will basically shut down when confronted by a reality which could destroy their notions of themselves. The good thing is that with time many of these people have probably changed their minds and actions. This just had to sink in for them.

The version of this I first saw 20 years ago involved corporate business people. Jane used to do this to improve workplace attitudes. She was even more harsh with them, making the people with blue eyes sit on the floor. It was a real smack in the face for me and she’s one of my heroes because of her work.