Problem: In response to your peers, discuss why it is important for psychology professionals to develop empathy around cultural differences, lifestyle differences, and diversity, and why this is important to psychology professionals making decisions in their line of work. Write a paragraph. Need Assignment Help?
Jane Elliott implemented the Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise in her third grade classroom to illustrate the mechanisms of prejudice after the killing of Martin Luther King Jr. Ms. Elliot separated the children into groups based on eye color and assigned superiority to one group while designating the other as inferior. Almost immediately discriminatory behaviors emerged. The superior group exhibited confidence and dominance whereas the inferior group displayed withdrawal, reduced performance and lower self-esteem. When the roles were reversed the children displayed the same patterns. The exercise powerfully revealed that prejudice is not innate but learned through social structures and authority (Martin et al., 2020).
The lesson appeared to be conducted with good intentions. However, asking young children to take part in this kind of experiment violates ethical standards. Children are more vulnerable to psychological distress because of their developmental stage and limited coping mechanisms. Telling children even just temporarily, that they are inherently inferior could have long-term effects on self concept. Whereas adults generally have the cognitive maturity to recognize the nature of the exercise and analyze its implications. Current ethical standards, including guidelines would likely prohibit this practice with minors and suggest alternative approaches that do not risk undue harm. The experiment highlights the necessity of cultural sensitivity in educational and professional contexts. Diversity should be viewed as an asset that enhances group dynamics and fosters equity. Elliott's work demonstrates that discriminatory behaviors are socially constructed and can be deconstructed through intentional education and awareness.