Racism+ELA+Assignment+2

Assignment 2: Assimilation

Time needed: Two 90 minute Project block

Key Idea: Understanding racism as it relates to human interaction

Key Vocabulary: assimilation

//Day 1// Procedure: The teacher will give a working definition for the term assimilation, in terms of race and culture. Suggested:

In the social sciences, assimilation is the process of integration whereby immigrants, or other minority groups, are "absorbed" into a generally larger community. This presumes a loss of all characteristics which make the newcomers different. A region where assimilation is occurring is sometimes referred to as a "melting pot". //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assimilation//

The class will watch the film “Matters of Race: We’re still here” available online at:

http://www.powermediaplus.com/streaming/digitalVideoDetail.asp?videoID=24796&mode=browse&sections=streaming&searchFor=race&type=streaming&theSubjectID=751

(EdVideo sign up is free for teachers. Due to the film’s size, teachers may wish to procure a projector to show the film)

The class will then answer the following key questions (in a format determined by the instructor):


 * Should cultures be forced to assimilate?
 * What makes more sense, assimilation or separation?
 * How has racism and prejudice shaped the direction of these two cultures?

//Day 2// Procedure: The class will review the film, definition and discussions from the previous day. Students will then read “Senators wrangle over English’s status in U.S.”, available at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12866975/

The class will then answer the following questions (in a format determined appropriate by the teacher)
 * After reading this article and watching the imbedded video, do you think English should be the national language of the United States?
 * Is the move for a national language racist? Why or why not?
 * Is assimilation necessary? Why or why not?