Brown eyes Blue eyes

In a study conducted in the 60's with a 3rd grade class, the teacher, Jane Elliot, wanted to prove to children that discrimination against anyone, no matter size, shape, color, was not acceptable. The teacher asked the children if they wanted to be separated based in eye color and feel what it was like to be discriminated against. One day the blue eyes would be the better group and get treated better, the next day the brown eyes would be the better group.

In the end, the children were very prejudice against one another based on their eye color and picked on one another because of the separation even though they knew it was a test. A fight ended up breaking out between two boys of different eye colors, one calling the other blue eyes as a harmful term.

The question is, would this study be allowed today and would parents accept the fact that their child is knowingly being discriminated against?

Unfortunately, I do not think this study would be allowed today as teachers and schools are doing all they can to keep children from singling anyone out. However, that does not mean I disagree with the study. While the children knew they were conducting a study, they still got wrapped up in the stereotypes placed on society today. I think this is a great opportunity for children to experience what it is like to be neglected and have harmful things done to you or shouted at you. I do not agree that they should treat one another differently, but the teacher can say who has what rights on a certain day.

At this day in age parents of children would disagree with me because they want to keep their children safe and protect them from harmful things. But, when parents are not around their children do and say things they know they are not supposed to and that are harmful to others. The things that are said are not just about race, but size, interests and several other instances.

If you think about it, people are judged on a daily basis through family members, friends, acquittance's, and event the t.v. and radio. There are constantly commercials about weight loss and images of women with perfectly toned bodies. This may not affect some people, but others take a hard hit having to be reminded every 5 minuted that he or she should be doing something effective about his or her weight. Therefore, it is not fair for parents to find this unacceptable when everything and everyone around us are doing it.

Children need to learn the importance of behavior and treating one another like they want to be treated. Some may receive that at home, and for others school may be the best way to learn this life lesson. As long as the parents and children are aware that it is just a study, I feel that this is a very positive and effective lesson to teach children; especially at a young age.