Sociology 4949: Worksheet--"Matters of Race: the Divide" (2003)

1. Why does this video focus on Siler City, North Carolina?

2. How has Siler City changed since the days when Linda Jean Ferguson was growing up there?

3. What is it that draws Mexican immigrants to Siler City?

4. What are the main complaints of white and black Siler City residents about the influx of Mexican immigrants?

5. What does the homecoming queen contest at Chatham High School show about race relations in this part of North Carolina?

Sociology 4949: Groups--"Matters of Race: the Divide"

1. One common perspective in sociology sees race conflict as a side effect and product of underlying economic processes? How are economic processes involved in Siler City race relations? What are the implications of this economic dimension when it comes to improved race relations?

2. What does Eric Liu's powerful monologue on "What Makes a Race" have to tell us about the social construction of race?

3. If you were a teacher or administrator at Chatham High School, what would you do about displays of racism by some white students? Can you force people to change their attitudes?

4. Why do you think we have so few truly interracial churches in the United States? Do you know of any in your home communities or in Duluth?