A Class Divided (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Jane Elliott, a third-grade teacher, decided to conduct an experiment on discrimination in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. She aimed to teach her students about racism concretely, realizing that mere discussion wasn't enough. Elliott had previously addressed racism since the beginning of the school year, but felt the need for a unique approach to demonstrate the effects of discrimination.

During the experiment, Elliott divided her students based on eye color, positing that blue-eyed individuals were superior to brown-eyed ones. This division aimed to simulate societal discrimination, giving blue-eyed children privileges while restricting the brown-eyed ones. The exercise quickly altered the children's behavior, showing how easily prejudice can develop.

Continued from the previous summary, Elliott observed that the students' attitudes changed drastically when placed in superior or inferior positions. Blue-eyed students began to demean their brown-eyed classmates, showcasing the impact of discrimination. Elliott further enforced the divide by assigning physical markers - collars for brown-eyed students - and different privileges, such as recess duration.

On the following day, Elliott reversed the roles, declaring brown-eyed children superior. The exercise illustrated the arbitrary nature of such divisions and the immediate impact on the children's academic performance and behavior. Students learned about the arbitrary nature of prejudice, with Elliott later highlighting the speed at which discrimination can be ingrained and the profound effects it can have.

Years later, during a reunion, former students reflected on their experience, indicating the profound impact the exercise had on their understanding of discrimination. Many students recognized the parallels between their classroom experience and societal discrimination, expressing how the exercise made lasting changes in their perspectives and personal growth.

The film about Elliott's exercise became a widely used educational tool for discussing discrimination and prejudice. Former students recounted how the exercise impacted their views on racism, explaining how it taught them about the destructive nature of prejudice and how easily it can manifest. The exercise's outcome suggested improved academic performance, tying increased confidence to perceived superiority.

Jane Elliott implemented her exercise beyond the classroom, taking it to correctional facilities and using it to address issues of discrimination among adults, such as prison employees. The session often mirrored the emotional turmoil faced during the original classroom exercises, revealing deep-seated prejudices and prompting introspection among participants.

Through her workshops, Elliott highlighted the systemic nature of discrimination and observed how deeply ingrained beliefs about superiority could be challenged and reconsidered. Participants in her sessions often faced discomfort and resistance, mirroring real-world struggles against ingrained societal discrimination and prejudice that minority groups face.

In discussions post-exercise, Elliott facilitated dialogues about the emotional and psychological impact of discrimination. Participants often reported feeling marginalized and powerless, akin to real-world experiences of minority groups. These exercises emphasized the need for empathy and societal change, urging individuals to reflect on their perceptions and actions.