Download - Canada ALPHA

Unit 1—Handout 3
Attitudes Towards Groups
We begin this unit by exploring your views about certain groups. Examine each statement very carefully. In the
space to the left of each statement, print (SA) if you strongly agree; (A) if you agree; (D) if you disagree; or (SD) if you
strongly disagree. Apply each statement to the various groups whose initials are found at the top of the columns to the
left: “I” stands for Italians; “W,” White Anglo-Saxon Protestants; “J,” Jews; “B,” Blacks; “H,” Hispanics; “A,” Asians;
and “M” Muslims.
Another way to do this activity within a classroom is to divide into groups of fi ve. Each group should, after
extensive discussion, come to a consensus about these ethnic and racial groups. This activity has been adapted from The
Racist Reader by Gary McCuen.
I – W – J – B – H - A - M
1. _____Have many irritating habits and manners.
2. _____Are usually very well dressed.
3. _____Have superior athletic ability.
4. ______Will seek to exploit others.
5. _____Must be dealt with forcefully since democratic procedures will never
make them behave properly.
6. _____Tend to keep to themselves and are suspicious of others.
7. _____Usually meddle too much and interfere with other people’s business.
8. _____Are generally tolerant of other people.
9. _____Often lack initiative and dependability
10. _____Are extremely ambitious, capable, and intelligent.
10. _____Are often lazy and ignorant.
11. _____Are morally superior to others.
12. _____Often discriminate against others.
13. _____Usually become wealthy by manipulating and cheating unsuspecting people.
14. _____Are satisfi ed with their lot and are fair in their dealings with others.
15. _____Are never satisfi ed and are always seeking more money and power.
16. _____Usually try to exert control and infl uence over others.
17. _____Are the ones behind the Communist menace in the United States.
18. _____Have money and power out of all proportion to their numbers.
19. _____Are mostly patriotic individuals who would stand up for the U.S. above all others.
21. _____Are largely responsible for the increase of crime and lawlessness in the U.S.
22. _____Put more emphasis on material than spiritual values.
23. _____Are fair with each other but ruthless in their dealings with other people.
24. _____Will probably succeed in education.
25. _____Prove to be as trustworthy as other people.
26. _____Control most of our powerful economic and political institutions.
27. _____Should be allowed to intermarry with any group.
20. _____Are the most likely to be aggressive and start fi ghts.
21. _____Are almost always courteous and friendly.
22. _____Practice strange customs.
23. _____Lack imagination.
24. _____Are cunning and proud.
25. _____Will often display compassion for people in trouble.
26. _____Are often too emotional.
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