Skip to main content
 

Exploring Unintentional Racism

The Case of Tim Hanks

By Robert W. Grossman, Thomas E. Ford

Exploring Unintentional Racism


 

Abstract

This case study is designed to help students explore their attitudes about race and examine the complexity of racism. It also has been used to teach about the social psychology of unintentional racism, attribution theory, and institutionalized racism. The case has been used in an introductory psychology course, in which it was used as the focus of the social psychology unit; in a social psychology course, where it was used to accompany the unit on prejudice; and in a course on prejudice.  In addition, it has been presented in a workshop format to faculty interested in reducing racism and improving multicultural programming.

   

Date Posted

01/26/2004

Overview

Objectives

  • To have students think about their definitions of racism and recognize that there are several different ways of thinking about it.
  • To promote awareness of the subtle, unintentional forms of racism which operate to discriminate against African-Americans.
  • To increase understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences between African-Americans and whites.

Keywords

Race; racism; discrimination; institutionalized racism; unintentional racism; aversive racism; attribution theory; fundamental attribution error

  

Subject Headings

Psychology
Sociology
Teacher Education

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Continuing education, Faculty development

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Social issues, Social justice issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Interrupted

 

 

Asset 2