Audio and Video Archives Born out of a car trip listening to the radio show "This American Life," the idea to use these radio links arose from a desire to allow you to hear and feel – not just read – what people experience with issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and class. For each chapter, you will find links to related episodes of the show, followed by discussion questions for you to think about as you listen to each episode. The audio clips provided are from "This American Life," which is a popular radio show with an unusual format. Each week, the hosts pick a theme and interview people who have some relation to that theme, with the end result being a powerful combination of humor, sorrow, and overall – learning. To listen to a "This American Life" program, use the link provided and then click on Full Episode. The program will begin playing on your desktop. The video clips come from a variety of sources, including the PBS series "Frontline", CNN.com, and YouTube, and are meant to give you a more visual and in-depth look at some of the issues discussed in the textbook. Many of the videos feature personal interviews with people who have experienced these issues. The videos also allow you to see – not just read about – interesting stories that are related to the history of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in American society. We hope you enjoy this experience, and that it helps you to put the issues discussed in "Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class" into personal perspective. Chapter 1: Diversity in the United States: Questions and Concepts Chapter 1: Diversity in the United States: Questions and Concepts "This American Life" episodes "Harold" – #84 – 11-9-2007 This is a story about politics and race in America. Harold Washington was the first black mayor of Chicago, and this story explores some important lessons for black and white America. Host Ira Glass discusses Harold's brief mayoral career with some of the people who worked with him, including one of his advisors, David Axelrod, who is also an advisor to Presidential Nominee Barack Obama. As you listen to this episode, do you hear any similarities to today's political scene? Have things changed since Harold was elected to office? "Immigration" – #170 – 10-13-2000 http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=170 In this episode, the three acts discuss an issue affecting tens of thousands of people in the U.S. – immigration laws, specifically laws that even the Immigration Service says are unfair. The episode explores some of the immigration laws that can keep people in jail indefinitely, how they were passed through Congress, and what local residents are doing to try to change them. After listening to this episode, do you think these laws are more helpful or harmful to the U.S.? Should these laws be changed? If so, what would make the laws less "unfair"? "Them" – #201 – 6-2-2006 This episode explores the conflict between our tendency towards mentalities of "us" versus "them." The show includes a discussion with students from rival high schools in the same town, varying holiday celebrations, and the true story of WWII nurses in Newfoundland seeing a black man for the first time. As you listen, think critically about some of the "us versus them" mentalities that you might encounter in your daily life, and what you can do to change them. "After the Flood" – #296 – 9-9-2005 Taking place just two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, this episode tells the story of what it was like for people to survive the storm – and even harder, its aftermath. The acts focus on the experiences of people who were sheltered in New Orleans Convention Center, others who were prevented from leaving the city by armed policemen, and residents who evacuated before the storm hit and tried to go home afterwards. As you listen, think about Weber's theory of the "three stratification systems" and Lenski's theories of "level of development" and "subsistence technology". Based on these stories, what role did each of these theories play in Katrina's aftermath? "PBS Frontline" episodes "The O.J. Verdict" – 10-4-2005 Ten years after the O.J. Simpson trail, Frontline looks back at trial that captivated the nation. Through interviews with the defense, prosecution, and journalists who covered the trial, this episode explores the controversial verdict, and the issues of race and class that surrounded the trial and dominated conversations across the country. As you watch this episode, reflect on your thoughts and feelings during the trial, and be sure to consider the points of view raised in this episode that may be different from your own. Also, why do you think this trial often still evokes such strong opinions from so many people? You Tube episode "US Diversity Visa Lottery" – 10-18-2007 This clip from www.workpermit.com covers many frequently asked questions about the United States' Diversity Visa. Diversity visas are distributed based on a quota system to help people from under-represented countries gain access to the United States. As you watch this clip, consider some reasons why the U.S. wants to ensure that people from all countries are able to gain access to the U.S. Also, be sure to pay attention to the detailed paperwork involved in applying for and gaining a Diversity Visa. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of these strict requirements to the U.S., and to the people applying? (7.5 minutes) Chapter 2: Assimilation and Pluralism: From Immigrants to White Ethnics "This American Life" episodes "Shouting Across the Divide" – #322 – 1-4-2008 Chapter 1 of the textbook mentioned that Arab immigrants make up a small, but increasing amount of recent immigrants to the United States. In act one of this episode, you'll hear the story of discrimination faced by Arab and Muslim immigrants after September 11, 2001. As you listen, consider the power of communication and the impact it can have on relations between dominant and minority groups. Also, why did Serry and her husband believe their children wouldn't experience prejudice or discrimination in America? Is this an accurate view of American society? "American Limbo" – #177 – 4-29-2005 Each of the segments in this episode tells the story of people living partly in American society, and partly outside of it. The acts include stories of a 15-year old immigrant from China, a family living in a treehouse to escape the law, and parents who want their children to be either more or less American. As you listen to these stories, think about how they illustrate the concepts of assimilation, pluralism, and separatism, and the delicate balance that exists between them. "Four Corners" – #128 – 4-30-1999 In act four, "How to become an American," author Achy Obejas reads a selection from her book "We Came All the Way from Cuba So You Could Dress Like This?" This is a piece of short fiction that raises questions about fitting in and a clash of cultures. What would the theories of assimilation described in the text say about the young man's progress in assimilating? Other video and audio clips "History Center – Immigration Nation" – The History Channel This audio segment from The History Channel features interviews with several historians who discuss how immigration has shaped the U.S. throughout history. From Ellis Island to current debates about immigration, this clip looks at the impact of immigration on America's past, present, and future. As you listen, consider the textbook's important question, "How should our society develop?" How has the answer to this question changed over time, and in what ways has it stayed the same? "Angel Island – Ellis Island of the West" – The History Channel This video clip discusses the Chinese Exclusion Act, which is the only U.S. immigration law to ever target a specific ethnic group. The clip also discusses Angel Island, the equivalent of Ellis Island on the West Coast. What impact did immigration laws have on the movement of Chinese immigrants across the U.S. and into society? What similarities do you see in this clip between the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in the past, and those faced by more recent immigrant groups (for example, Mexicans)? "English-only Debate in Carpentersville, Illinois" – 6-19-2007 The town of Carpentersville, IL garnered national attention in 2007 by proposing a city ordinance that would eliminate all non-English services and signs, except those required by federal law. This video is an excerpt from a meeting of the Board of Trustees in Carpentersville that features two members debating the ordinance. Do you agree or disagree with the claims that people who support the ordinance are "racist"? What other themes of "assimilation vs. pluralism" do you hear in this clip? Chapter 3: Prejudice and Discrimination "This American Life" episodes "Three Kinds of Deception" – #173 – 6-22-2007 In act two of this episode, you'll hear the story of a man who left his high-paying job as a lawyer in order to join an exclusive country club in he only way they would let a black man: as a busboy. He talks about becoming so invisible, people made racist comments right in front of him. In act three, you'll hear the story of an American in France, and a group of tourists who mistook him for a Frenchman and started making rude – and stereotypical – comments about him, thinking he didn't speak English. What do these stories illustrate about stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination? Given the textbook's definition of these concepts, what are some examples of each of them? "Take a Negro Home" – #105 – 2-25-2000 This episode tells the stories of two people trying to cross the color line, and why it's still so hard. The first story is about a son exploring the marriage and divorce of his interracial parents, and whether they think he should marry someone who is black or white. The second story is about a young man who worked his way from one of the poorest communities in the country to an ivy league university – and then struggled to fit in there. As you listen to these stories, consider the theory of "modern racism." What are some of the themes of modern racism, and do you see any of them in these stories? "The Devil in Me" – #340 – 9-7-2007 In act one of this episode, an Iraq war veteran comes home and struggles with feelings of hatred and anger towards Muslims. However, Sam Sleven decided to take an unusual approach – with the help of a group of Muslim students – in order to systematically defeat his own bigotry. When Sam came home, was he an "all-weather or fair-weather liberal," or a "timid or all-weather bigot"? Do Sam's actions to change his negative feelings have anything in common with the "equal status contact hypothesis"? Video clips "Psychology of Voters" – CNN.com – 1-25-2008 This story from CNN examines the emotions and prejudices that affect the way people vote. Drew Westen talks with voters in South Carolina before that state's Democratic Primary in 2008. What are some examples of both overt and subtle prejudice and discrimination that appear in this clip? What other aspects of the "cognitive" and "affective" dimensions of stereotypes do you see in this clip? "Flying While Muslim – Racial Profiling Post 9-11" – YouTube – 3-11-2007 This clip is an extended preview of a documentary on racial profiling of Muslims and Muslim Americans after 9-11. The video explores the complex intersection of immigration, multiculturalism, and national security in a time when the fear of terrorism has changed the way Americans look at each other. As you watch this clip, consider the Current Debates feature in the textbook. What similarities, and what differences, do you see between the racial profiling of African Americans and Muslim Americans? "What is a Hate Crime? Educational Video PSA" – YouTube – 5-20-2007 This video from Vicious Circle (2004) explores the complex question, "What is a hate crime?" The clip "investigates acts of violence committed in the name of hatred," and unravels the complexities behind what makes a hate crime unique in the U.S. legal system. What conclusions do the filmmakers come to on what constitutes a hate crime? What's most often behind these attacks, and what are the implications for the future of American society? Chapter 4: The Development of Dominant-Minority Group Relations in Pre-Industrial America: The Origins of Slavery "This American Life" episodes "Your Dream, My Nightmare" – #67 – 6-27-1997 In act two of this episode, you'll hear the story of an interracial couple who take a tour of a plantation. How do the husband and wife see things differently on the tour? Reflect on some of the reasons why a single act or event may be interpreted in different ways because of race, ethnicity, gender or class. "Lincoln's Second Inaugural" – #68 – 7-4-1997 This episode follows the theme of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address – America's "original sin" – slavery and its legacy. The acts include a discussion of the confederate flag being flown over the South Carolina statehouse, and the idea of "good white and bad whites," and "good blacks and bad blacks." What are some of the roots of prejudice and discrimination explored in these clips? Which theory/theories discusses in the textbook best explain where this prejudice comes from, as well as the changes in some people's attitudes? "Be Careful Who You Pretend To Be" – #120 – 1-22-1999 In acts one and three, you'll hear two different perspectives about the experience of slavery. In act one, a man talks about his job recreating the slave experience for people at the Conner Prairie Living History Museum, outside of Indianapolis. In act three, you'll hear about people going through a recreation at the museum in which they pretend to be runaway slaves. Do you think these experiences serve a purpose? What do these stories tell you about the legacy of slavery today? Video clips "Jefferson's Blood" – Frontline Special In this special episode, a collection of video clips attempts to sort out the truth from the rumors and gossip about Thomas Jefferson's life, his slave and mistress Sally Hemings, their descendants, and the mysterious power of race. The episode's accompanying website has many other features exploring the story further. However, as you watch some of the video clips, consider the contradictions in Jefferson's writings and other official documents. What are some explanations for why there are so many? Also, how do Jefferson's relationships with his wife, his mistress, and his slaves compare to race relations in America today? "The Akaka Bill" – The Federalist Society – 2-12-2008 This video features a discussion held at the National Press Club over a proposed bill that would allow Native Hawaiians living throughout the country to form themselves into an Indian tribe. Does this movement represent the creation of a new minority group, or an attempt to unify one that already exists? If the bill were passed, what sort of precedent might it set for other groups that wish to create new Indian tribes? "America's Castles – Pebble Hill" – The History Channel This video clip from The History Channel provides a historical look at the plantation Pebble Hill in Georgia. After reading the chapter and listening to some other audio/video clips here, what are some different ways of looking at plantation life? Did this clip present all points of view equally? Chapter 5: Industrialization and Dominant-Minority Relations: From Slavery to Segregation and the Coming of Postindustrial Society "This American Life" episodes "Parental Guidance Suggested" – #313 – 5-19-2006 Act one of the episode tells a very poignant story about the effects of segregation in the United States. Gene Cheek, author of a book on his family titled "The Color of Love: A Mother's Choice in the Jim Crow South," tells about the experience of his white mother dating a black man in segregated North Carolina in 1961. As you listen, think about the reactions of people in the community to their interracial relationship. Do people react the same way today, or did these attitudes only exist in the past? "Trek" – #72 – 7-2-1999 This episode tells the story of two men – one black, one white – and their trip to post-Apartheid South Africa. While the country is still mostly segregated, the two men have different opinions on what they see. What causes both men to change their minds at the end of their trip? Do you see any similarities between South African society and American society? Video clips "Sex Slaves" – 2-7-2006 The textbook discusses how a weakening of traditional gender roles for women has increased women's vulnerability in some areas. This is evidenced by the international sex trade flourishing on prostitution and pornography. This episode of Frontline presents a hidden-camera look at the world of sexual slavery, and why so many governments allow this industry to continue almost completely unchecked. What are some of the situations in our globalized, post-industrialized world that make women vulnerable to exploitation? "American Experience – Reconstruction" – PBS – 12-19-2003 This episode of American Experience focuses on the period in American history known as Reconstruction. It tells the stories of white and blacks in the North and the South as they tried to figure out new lives for themselves after the devastating Civil War. Although this story is told in two full-length episodes, it covers many significant events in American history, and explores how they still affect American society today. How did the process of Reconstruction affect the later development of segregation, and what impact does it still have on race relations today? "Affirmative Action – Separate but Equal" – YouTube – 5-21-2007 This documentary clip from Third Reel Films discusses the controversial topic of affirmative action policies in the United States. What evidence is presented to suggest that affirmative action policies can help to "level the playing field" and make up for past and present discrimination? Chapter 6: African Americans: From Segregation to Modern Institutional Discrimination and Modern Racism "This American Life" episodes "Cicero" – #179 – 3-16-2001 This episode tells the story of the town of Cicero, IL, which was once one of the most notoriously racist and corrupt suburbs in America. Today, two-thirds of the population is Mexican-American, but local residents and politicians still resist racial integration and change. Has the situation changed for African Americans since the 1960's civil rights movement? How do African Americans and other racial groups in town respond to discrimination? "Barbara" – #142 – 10-15-1999 This is the story of Barbara Clinkscales, an African American single mother who recorded the daily events in her family's life for seven months, and her story defies most of our assumptions about young, black, single-mothers. How does this story provide evidence for the "culture of poverty" theory? Does Barbara appear to favor an "assimilationist" approach to problems in race relations, or a more "pluralistic" one? Video clips "The Storm" – PBS Frontline – 11-22-2005 This episode of Frontline features a special investigation into FEMA's handling of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath in New Orleans, LA. This report examines the chain of decisions that slowed federal response to the calamity in New Orleans, and the government's failure to protect thousands of Americans from a natural disaster that long had been predicted. How did the current problems facing African Americans (e.g., poverty, residential segregation, modern racism, etc.) also play a role in the devastation? "Freedom Summer" – The History Channel – 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America http://www.history.com/media.do?action=clip&id=10days_freedom_broadband This is a clip from The History Channel's series "10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America," and tells the story of three civil rights workers who were murdered in Mississippi in 1964. This event garnered national attention, and was one of the driving forces behind the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 the following year. In this clip, what impact did white college students from the North have on the civil rights movement in the South? Also, although this clip looks at the events in 1964 from today's viewpoint, what was the general reaction in the general public, and particularly the mass media, in 1964? "The Houston Civil Rights Movement" – YouTube – 4-8-2008 This three-part series explores the challenges faced by people who were determined to end segregation in Houston, TX in the 1960's. The story includes interviews with people who were personally involved, details of their goals and how they worked to accomplish them, and the impact of college students' involvement in the fight to desegregate. Were there any similarities or differences between the civil rights movement in Texas and in Mississippi? What impact have the events of the movement in Houston had on the area today? "Martin Luther King, Jr.: "I Have a Dream Speech" – YouTube This chapter in the textbook discussed many aspects and outcomes of the 1960's Civil Rights movement, and one of the most well-known leaders of the movement, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a video of one of his most famous speeches (the "I Have a Dream" speech, Aug. 28 th, 1963) in which he proclaims his dream for the future of America. What was this dream? Has it become a reality today? As you watch this clip, notice the signs carried by people attending the speech. Based on what these protest signs demanded, what goals of the civil rights movement have been accomplished, and what has yet to be done? Chapter 7: American Indians: From Conquest to Tribal Survival in a Postindustrial Society "This American Life" episodes "High Speed Chase" – #219 – 8-16-2002 This episode tells the story of a high-speed chase in South Dakota in which a group of Native American girls from one town was chased by a group of white boys from a nearby town. The incident escalated and came to be seen as yet another event in a decades-long pattern of injustice. What were the differing reactions to the incident from the townspeople, the girls, the boys, and outsiders? What rationales were used to excuse the behavior of the white boys? Are there any differences between the prejudice and discrimination seen in this story and that faced by African Americans in the previous chapter of the text? "Trail of Tears" – #107 – 6-27-2003 In this episode, two sisters re-trace the Trail of Tears – the route their ancestors took when they were expelled from their own land by President Andrew Jackson. Along the way, they visit the land they would have grown up on had their ancestors not been expelled, and end in Oklahoma where the Cherokee settled and the two sisters were born. As you listen, consider why so many historic sites along a tragic journey have been turned into "tourist traps." Is this a way of honoring the memory of the trail by encouraging people to visit, or is it born out of the disproportionate levels of poverty and powerlessness in the American Indian population today? "Windfall" – #113 – 10-16-1998 Act one of this episode discusses what happened when a Native American community in Minnesota (the Mille Lacs band of Ojebway) built the second-most successful tourist attraction in the state – a casino. What effect did the sudden success and huge influx of money have on the tribe? How is the money used, and how does this differ from other groups? How is their contract of operation with the state similar to – and differ from – some of the treaties that Native Americans have had with the U.S. government in the past? Video clips "Mound City – Native American Mounds" – YouTube – 3-25-2008 This is a short documentary about the only remaining Native American burial ground near St. Louis, MO. What was the significance of these burial grounds in Native American culture, and what is their significance today? Why did the filmmaker decide to produce this documentary? What did he learn about Native American history and tradition in the process? "Democrats woo Native Americans" – CNN.com – 6-3-2008 In this report, CNN looks at the increasing attention being paid to every single vote that can be cast in the 2008 Presidential election, and how influential the Native American community's voting patterns can be. What do the American Indians interviewed want from the next president elected, and what have the democratic candidates promised during their campaigns? How does Senator Barack Obama appeal to the American Indian community's minority status? Does this make himseem more or less in-touch with the plight of American Indians? "Government Eugenics Program – Sorry Day (2-13-2008)" – YouTube – 4-8-2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_uO8fW5dsQ This clip is a compilation of news coverage from Australia of the government's official apology to the Aboriginal people for the atrocities committed against them throughout history. As was discussed in the textbook, there are many similarities between the historical conflicts between Aboriginal tribes and white settlers in Australia and American Indians and white settlers in the U.S. Why did the Australian Prime Minister and Parliament apologize? How was this apology received? Do you agree or disagree that the U.S. government should apologize to American Indians in the same way? Why or why not? Chapter 8: Hispanic Americans: Colonization, Immigration, and Ethnic Enclaves "This American Life" episodes "Welcome to America" – #124 – 7-5-2002 http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=124 Juan Zaldivar is an American who was born in Cuba. In act two, you'll hear about his attempt to convince his father that immigrating to America was actually a good choice. Why is his father still unconvinced? What does the family remember about Cuba? What is life like for the family members that remained in Cuba? What do the remembrances of the family members who did immigrate say about life in the United States? "Garbage" – #249 – 9-2-2005 In act two of this episode, you'll hear the story of the many squatters in Mexico who have built entire neighborhood on garbage heaps. The story is told by Luis Urrea, an author who used to live there and now goes back to visit. How does this story illustrate the "Push-Pull" factors behind immigration to the U.S.? What was the reaction of Luis' teenage son during the visit? What was the reaction of the teenage girls living in the Mexican neighborhood to Luis's son? "Someone to Watch Over Me" – #269 – 7-16-2004 Act two of this episode tells the story of a woman and her friend who want to go to Mexico on vacation. The one woman's husband, a former cop, prepares as if she's going to a war zone. Why is the husband so concerned about the women going to Mexico. What are some of the questions the husband asks to Mexican authorities, and why does he ask them? Do these questions reflect some of the common stereotypes of Mexico and its people, or is there evidence presented to support his fears? Video clips
This clip from The History Channel explains the history of the festive Mexican celebration Cinco de Mayo, on May 5 th each year. What does the story of this holiday tell us about the historical relationship between Mexico and the United States? "LULAC Documentary" – YouTube – 1-16-2008 This is a documentary on the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the 75 th anniversary of the organization. Why and how was the organization founded? What were its goals? How did its tactics change over the years, particularly during and after the Civil Rights movement, and what are the goals and principles of the organization today? "Charlie Rose Special Edition: The Candidates – Gov. Bill Richardson" – Google Video – 11-8-2007 In this special episode, Charlie Rose talks with Bill Richardson. Bill Richardson is the Governor of New Mexico, was formerly a U.S. congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton, and he also ran as a candidate for President in the 2008 election, but failed to win the nomination of the Democratic Party. Governor Richardson was born in California, but grew up in Mexico, and identifies himself as Hispanic. What impact did growing up in Mexico have on his life and his political career? Does his status as a Hispanic American give him a greater or lesser ability to relate to other minority groups? Also, as a Hispanic American – and governor of a border state – what are his views on immigration, both legal and illegal? Chapter 9: Asian Americans : "Model Minorities "? "This American Life" episodes "Kids as Adults" – #150 – 1-21-2000 In act two of this episode, Anh Tuan Wong tells how he escaped Vietnam by boat at the age of 12. What did his experience of fleeing look like? Why did he want to come to the United States? Why does Wong say that he probably would not make the same decisions today? Video clips "Hawaii's Chinatown" – YouTube – 10-23-2007 This documentary from PBS Hawaii explores the history of Chinese immigration to Hawaii, as well as the current state of its Chinese population and Chinatowns. How do Chinatowns help people assimilate into the community, and how do they help retain Chinese culture and traditions? Would forming "ethnic enclaves" such as Chinatowns have the same effect on other ethnic minorities? Why or why not? "Asian Plastic Surgery" – CNN.com – 1-3-2007 This segment from CNN explores the phenomenon of Asian women who undergo plastic surgery in order to get bigger eyelids. Some people compare this procedure to breast augmentation among white women, while others say it erases their heritage and culture. What are the reasons behind some of these controversies? Why does the woman in this clip want the procedure, and what does she think afterwards? "Legal Director Myron Quon model-minority myth & APAs" – YouTube – 9-16-2007 This video features a discussion of the myth of "model minorities," a stereotype commonly applied to Asian Americans. What are some negative outcomes of this stereotype that are talked about in this video? What are some suggestions for combating the issue of Asian Americans being seen as "model minorities"? "Never Again – A Story of Yaeko Nakano" – YouTube – 3-29-2008 This documentary film tells the story of Yaeko Nakano and her struggles during World War II, when hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps across the country. How did Yaeko survive in the camp? What was her life like after she was released? What are Yaeko's feelings toward the country that imprisoned her? Chapter 10: New Americans, Assimilation, and Old Challenges "This American Life" episodes "Middlemen" – #224 – 10-25-2002 Act three of this episode tells the story of how the mayor of Schenectady, NY has worked hard to encourage Guyanese immigrants living in New York City to move to his town. Schenectady is community of mostly White-ethnics. Why is the mayor trying to get these new immigrants to come to his town? How do people living in this city perceive the mayor's work? Why have Guyanese taken the mayor up on his offer to move? "Cat and Mouse" – #309 – 1-19-2007 In act one of this episode, you'll hear the story of a group of self-proclaimed "minutemen" who patrol the U.S.-Mexico border and try to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the border. However, another group comes along in the middle of the night to prevent the minutemen from following through on their intent. What is this group, and why do they chase the minutemen away? As you listen, consider the motives that inspire the minutemen to patrol the border. Why do they do it? Do they see any positive or negative outcomes from their actions? Video clips "CNN Student News" – CNN.com – 5-2-2006 The first two segments in this clip from CNN examine two different aspects of immigration. The first story is about the nationwide protest that took place in 2006 "A Day Without Immigrants" to highlight the contribution of immigrants in America. Rather than a government crack-down on illegal immigration, what do the protesters say they want instead? The second news segment discusses the lengthy and difficult process of immigrating to the U.S. and becoming a citizen. Why do so many people come to the U.S. illegally? Why is it so difficult for people to enter the country legally? What are some of the suggestions to make the immigration process more open and fair? "Using Technology to Keep in Touch" – CNN.com – 3-26-2006 This report from CNN explores the new technology being used by recent immigrants in order to keep in touch with family members in their home country. As was discussed in the textbook, how might this phenomenon affect recent immigrants' maintenance of their cultures, and how might it also affect acculturation and assimilation? Also, what role does economic status and financial ability play in this issue? For example, are there video-phones available in everyone's hometown? How much does it cost to "connect to one's loved ones"? "Tough New Law Kicks In" – CNN.com – 1-1-2008 This clip from CNN discusses a new law passed in Arizona under which business owners face losing their entire business if they are found to be employing illegal immigrants. What do people who are both for this new law and against it have to say about it? What impact has it already had on the business owner in this clip? Do you think laws like this will be successful at reducing the rates of illegal immigration, or will immigrants move to other states without these laws? What if the law was a national one? "Immigration is a Time Bomb" – YouTube – 2005 This series of videos is a documentary from Great Britain on the controversial issue of immigration, and includes discussions of the racial problems and tensions that are experienced in every immigrant population. Although the documentary focuses on the U.K., there are many similarities to the attitudes and opinions of people in the U.S. What are some of these similarities, and what are some noticeable differences between the U.S. and the U.K (particularly given the colonial history of Great Britain)? What solutions are discussed in this documentary? Would these solutions be applicable in the U.S.? Chapter 11: Minority Groups and U.S. Society : Themes, Patterns, and the Future "This American Life" episodes "Harold" – #84 – 11-9-2007 "Immigration" – #170 – 10-13-2000 "Them" – #201 – 6-2-2006 These episodes were presented with the audio/video clips for chapter one. Now that you have read the textbook, go back and listen to these episodes again. Have your views on these issues changed? As you listen to Harold's story again, do you notice more trends in discrimination and prejudice that are common in U.S. society? Do you see "other" groups differently than you saw "them" before? Video clips
In this series of videos, Sameer Dossani, director of "50 Years is Enough" discusses the issues of globalization, immigration, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What impact does Dossani feel globalization will have on the future of immigration? What are his suggestions for how the U.S. should handle immigration in the coming years? In addition to the topics discussed, consider what may be some of the benefits and drawbacks to grassroots organizations in general. "CA Event – Mexican Immigration and the Future of Race in America" – YouTube – 12-14-2007 This video from the New America Foundation presents a discussion of Mexican immigration and what the future of race in America might be like. In this video, Gregory Rodriguez presents some very interesting views on race and how it affects the way Americans think about their country. Are his views the same as what is presented in the textbook? What are Rodriguez's suggestions for improving immigration and race relations in the future of America?
|
