Lesson Plan: They Aren't Like Us

Rationale: This exercise helps students understand that xenophobic attitudes have existed throughout the history of our country -and every country; to identify stereotypic attitudes; to recognized that the cultural heritage of the United States has been enriched by each new wave of immigrants. Students will be able analyze and assess the meaning of a historic speech by a familiar and well-known person.

Materials: Pencil, paper, "speech" included below.

Timeframe: One hour (maximum)

Method: As part of a larger conversation about immigration, it is important for students to be able to discuss and address issues of racism.

Even though immigration is a fundamental characteristic of this country, it has been the source of constant debate and more often than not, discord. Immigration presents a dilemma for America's continuing search for identity. Biases have been expressed by every generation, especially when large numbers of immigrants have come to this country or during time of economic difficulty. Generally, these biases are directed toward the "other" - that is, anyone and everyone who is "not like us" - because they are of a different race, ethnicity or religion. It's a difficult, long-standing issue - and one that we need to talk about. How can we analyze anti-immigrant attitudes? How do we understand the origins of the fears and frustrations that cause animosity?

Activity:

As part of a broader discussion about immigration, ask your students to read the speech below, written by a "famous American"; it has been "updated" slightly.

Questions: Who do you think wrote this speech? When could it have been made, and what group of people is being described? What are the issues raised in this speech? What is fact, and what is opinion? Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?

From a Speech by a Famous American:
I agree that these people are a matter of great concern to us. I fear that one day, through their mistakes or ours, great troubles may occur. The ones who come here are usually the most stupid of their nation. Few understand our language, so w e cannot communicate with them through our newspapers. Their priests and religious leaders seem to have little influence over them. They are not used to freedom and do not know how to use it properly. It has been reported that young men do not believe the y are true men until they have shown their manhood by beating their mothers. They do not believe they are truly free unless they also abuse and insult their teachers. And now they are coming to our country in great numbers. Few of their children know English. They bring in much of their own reading from their homeland and print newspapers in their own language. In some parts of our state, ads, street signs, and even so me legal documents are in their own language and allowed in courts. Unless the stream of these people can be turned away from their country to other countries, they will soon outnumber us so that we will not be able to save our language or our government. However, I am not in favor of keeping them out entirely. All that s eems necessary is to distribute them more evenly among us and set up more schools that teach English. In this way, we will preserve the true heritage of our country.