Identifying Racism Throughout U.S. History

Activity: Identifying Racism Throughout U.S. History  

Doing Sociology 2.3 Discrimination Through the Years

This exercise requires you to step outside of the current culture in the United States and recognize discriminatory behavior you may have overlooked. Answer the following questions in writing. Be prepared to share your answers with a partner.

1. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Du Bois faced systemic racism in the field of sociology, and women sociologists had to deal with systemic sexism. What do you think the chances were for women of color to become successful sociologists during Du Bois’s time in the field?
2. It’s easy to disapprove of the blatant discrimination against women and people of color in the past. Such obviously sexist and racist behavior is outside the norms of today’s culture. But what other marginalized groups of people faced systemic discrimination 100 years ago?
3. What current systemic discriminatory behavior would people of the future be appalled by?
4. Were any of these questions difficult to answer? Why or why not?

Note to Instructors: 

You can use this exercise in face-to-face classes of any size. You may want to give extra credit points to the first group(s) to provide what you judge to be good answers. That will help motivate students to try to answer these difficult questions. In online classes, you could use the questions on a discussion board or as an essay assignment.