There are several different types of racism. One type of racism is front-stage racism which is also known as public racism (name-calling, scapegoating, violence, etc). In our society, front-stage racism is no longer acceptable behavior. But back-stage racism occurs behind the public eye; for example, with friends and family, roommates, other students and strangers. Many people who would never say or even think they were racist or prejudiced practice back-stage racism. This could consist of making derogatory remarks about a minority group (or about the majority group), telling racist jokes, or just making comments on the actions or abilities of another group.
For this exercise, keep a journal/diary for 7-10 days and record the actions, behaviors, events, images and/or conversations you see and hear that you think may be racist or prejudiced. What was the context of the event? This description should include who were you with and in what kind of setting; for example, you were with friends at home or on campus. What was the event, conversation, image, behavior or action that was taken? How did you react? Did you say anything - did you laugh, disagree, agree? What did others do? How did you feel about it? Were you saddened, angry or embarrassed? Did you agree with what happened? Record each event that may occur.
How would you connect back-stage racism with the prejudice and discrimination that occurs in our society? Do you think it is harmful, beneficial, or does it not matter? In what ways? Will minorities achieve equality while back-stage racism occurs? Why/why not? What can be done to prevent back-stage racism? (I do NOT need to know specific names of people, except your own).
*Note: You should be able to see/hear enough remarks/behaviors in and around campus to fill in your journal. You may also include any sexist remarks/behaviors, but you will have to connect back-stage sexism to the overall sexism in our society. Will minorities and/or women achieve equality as long as back-stage racism/sexism exists?