"Has it ever occurred to you that a single piece of paper can decide your fate?" writes Ching Ho L., as she reflects on her experience in a recent educational simulation that explored discrimination and empathy.
The simulation was part of the Grade 8 humanities unit, Wars: Conflict and Refuge, and was inspired by Shirley Jackson's controversial 1948 short story, "The Lottery." The activity required students to draw pieces of paper at random, which divided the class.
Those who's paper contained black dots were instructed to remove their coats and shoes, and led by a teacher to the tennis courts outside the Intermediate Building where they were relegated to one side of the fence. The remaining students were "safe and free"; they were allowed to keep their warm coats and shoes and received donuts and hot chocolate from their teacher. From the opposite side of the fence, they could see their unfortunate classmates, listening as the Black Dots' teacher yelled harsh and derisive remarks. "Worthless Black Dots that's all you are, that's all you will ever be!"
The purpose of this simulation, according to Grade 8 teacher Mr. Lambert, "was to help students connect to hardship, injustice and discrimination and to develop empathy as well as connect to deeper care for humankind."
Activities such as this provide a more meaningful experience for learning, rather than one given entirely through text and classroom lectures. To Shannon T., parent of an eighth grader, the simulation is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the educators presenting the curriculum in a way that brings life to a subject matter."
It appears from their reflections that students did in fact find meaning in the poignancy of this activity. Here's what a few of them had to say:
"The fence means something else to me now. It is a barrier. It is a reminder to me what happened in WWII. It was absolutely horrific, absolutely cruel. They were taking innocent lives away...For no reason." writes Joshua O.
"I hate that we had to watch our friends suffer...What did we have that they did not? What made us so special...?" asks Hannah S.
"When we see a group of people being bullied or treated unfairly, we have to show our empathy, and protect them from being hurt," concludes Daisy J.