Sociology 3701: Worksheet--"The Color of Your Skin"

1. Why does the film-maker Maraniss choose to focus on the Army's program for race relations training?

2. Who are the central figures ;in the video, what are their backgrounds, and what are their current attitudes about race?

Lt. Colonel Mickey Collins

Sgt Eugene Bickley

Sgt Bob Hustleton

Petty Officer Kelly Anderson

Sgt. Vernon Stevens

Sgt. Glen Smith

Sgt Evelyn Johnson

Sociology 3701: Groups--"The Color of Your Skin"

1. Based on what you have learned about the social psychology of race relations, what do you see as the parts of the DEOMI course that are apt to be effective, and which aspects do you see as less likely to be successful?

2. Do you think the film-maker is right that here is a place where white and black are dealing with each other on equal terms?. What about the contention that the group sessions are carefully directed to balance confrontation with understanding?

3. Do you think this Group One, portrayed in this video, has improved the ability of its members to deal with issues of racial conflict? If so, in what ways? Do you think it's fair to call this "the leading school of race relations in America?" What kind of evidence would be needed to support such an assertion?