The Laramie Project Lesson
Overview
This activity asks students to think about prejudices before they begin to read The Laramie Project.
Stereotypes vs. Prejudices
This lesson asks students to write in journals. If students do not keep journals for your class, they could easily record information on a blank piece of paper or a digital document.
Webster Dictionary defines a stereotype as "a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment."
It defines prejudice as " injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights."
In your journal, reflect on these two terms. What is the difference between a stereotype and a prejudice? How are the two terms connected? Also, reflect on what examples of stereotypes and/or prejudices you see presented in media (film, television, literature, video games, etc.). Do you see stereotypes and/or prejudices in your own life (family, community, self, etc.)? Strive to answer each of these questions as fully as possible.
Hate Crime
Webster Dictionary defines a hate crime as "any of various crimes (such as assault or defacement of property) when motivated by hostility to the victim as a member of a group (such as one based on color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation)."
In your journal, reflect on this term. Put this definition in your own words. Is it easy to define a violent act as a hate crime? Why or why not? What motivates a hate crime? Is hate speech a precursor or an aggravator of hate crimes? What is the severity of a hate crime? What should the punishment of a hate crime be? Can you think of any real-world examples of hate crimes? Strive to answer each of these questions as fully as possible.
“It Can’t Happen Here”
The Laramie Project is an experimental play in which a theatre group goes into Laramie, Wyoming to interview town's residents after a tragic hate crime was committed in their town. "It can't happen here," was a common response when asked if people thought such a violent act could have happened in their community. But it did happen in their community. It did happen there. Could it happen here?
In your journal, reflect on this quote. What are the attitudes towards American minorities in our community? Which minorities are more widely accepted? Are there any that are widely rejected? Do you think a hate crime could happen in our community? Why or why not? Strive to answer each of these questions as fully as possible.
Share Out
When having the circle discussion, it is advised to break into multiple smaller groups if there is more than one adult in the room to help facilitate these discussions.
We are going to get into circles shortly and you will be asked to share out one thought, idea, or question you have from today's journaling activities. Pick two or three ideas to share out with the group just in case someone has the same share out idea as you. After everyone shares out, we will have time to discuss and comment on the ideas brought up in the circle.
Reflection
Now, you will log in to our LMS and complete a reflection writing assignment. The following instructions are also available there.
Reflect on the thinking and conversations we have had today. Strive to write a solid academic paragraph or two. (I would suggest at least ten sentences in your reflection document.) You do not have to answer all of the following questions but you should pick at least a couple to get you started.
- How did the conversation we had make you feel?
- What about this lesson made you think differently?
- Have these topics related to any of the stories we've read so far this semester?
- How do you predict these topics will apply to the story we are about to read?
- Why are these topics so important to discuss?
- How do these topics tie in with American history?
If you take the time to answer this prompt fully, you will earn full points.