Elliott has spoken candidly about race and prejudice, emphasizing the importance of awareness and accountability. Two notable quotes include:
We don’t know anything about racism. We’ve never experienced it. If words can make a difference in your life for seven minutes, how would it affect you if you heard this every day of your life?”
— Jane Elliott BrainyQuote
“Racism is a learned affliction, and anything that is learned can be unlearned.”
— Jane Elliott A-Z Quotes
Jane Elliott is a prominent American educator and anti-racism activist, renowned for her innovative approach to teaching about prejudice and discrimination. Her most notable contribution is the “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise, which she first conducted with her third-grade class in 1968, the day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This exercise aimed to simulate the experience of discrimination by dividing students based on eye color and assigning them arbitrary privileges and disadvantages accordingly. The profound impact of this exercise has led to its widespread adoption in various educational and corporate settings.
Early Life and Education
Born Jane Jennison on November 30, 1933, in Riceville, Iowa, she was the fourth of several children in her family. After graduating from high school in 1952, Elliott attended the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where she obtained an emergency elementary teaching certificate in five quarters. In 1953, she began teaching in a one-room school in Randall, Iowa, marking the start of her long career in education.
The “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” Exercise
In 1968, following Dr. King’s assassination, Elliott sought to teach her all-white, small-town students about the realities of discrimination. She divided the class into two groups based on eye color, assigning privileges to one group and disadvantages to the other. The exercise demonstrated how quickly individuals could internalize superiority or inferiority based on arbitrary characteristics, providing a powerful lesson on the mechanisms of prejudice. The exercise was documented in the 1970 film The Eye of the Storm and revisited in the 1985 PBS special A Class Divided.
Transition to Full-Time Activism
The success and impact of the “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise led Elliott to leave her teaching position and pursue a career as a full-time speaker and educator on issues of race and discrimination. She has since conducted the exercise and lectured on its effects worldwide, including with college students, as seen in the 2001 documentary The Angry Eye.
Family Life
Elliott married Darald Dean Elliott in 1955. Together, they had four children. Darald Dean Elliott passed away in 2013. Elliott’s family life has been marked by her commitment to social justice and her role as a mother and educator.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Elliott has received numerous accolades for her work in education and anti-racism activism. She was honored with the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. Her innovative approach to teaching about discrimination has been recognized globally, and she continues to be a sought-after speaker and trainer.
Advocacy for Racial Equality
Elliott’s work extends beyond the classroom. She has been an outspoken advocate for racial equality, challenging individuals and institutions to confront and address systemic racism. Her advocacy includes speaking engagements, workshops, and media appearances aimed at raising awareness and promoting change.
Public Speaking and Workshops
As a public speaker, Elliott has addressed a wide range of audiences, including educators, students, corporate leaders, and community groups. Her workshops often involve participatory exercises designed to help individuals experience and reflect on the impact of discrimination. These sessions are intended to foster empathy and inspire action toward greater inclusivity and equity.
Media Appearances
Elliott’s work has been featured in various media outlets, including documentaries, interviews, and news programs. Her appearances have helped to bring the conversation about race and discrimination into the public eye, reaching audiences beyond those who attend her workshops and lectures.
Philosophy on Race and Discrimination
Elliott’s philosophy centers on the idea that racism is a learned behavior that can be unlearned through education and awareness. She emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and beliefs.
Critiques and Controversies
While Elliott’s methods have been widely praised, they have also faced criticism. Some argue that the “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise can be emotionally distressing for participants. Elliott acknowledges these concerns but maintains that the discomfort experienced is necessary for individuals to understand the pain caused by discrimination.
Legacy and Impact
Elliott’s legacy is evident in the continued use of her “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise in educational settings around the world. Her work has inspired countless individuals to examine their own biases and take action against racism. She remains a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality. In recent years, Elliott has continued her advocacy through speaking engagements and workshops. She remains active in promoting racial justice and educating others about the realities of discrimination. Reflecting on her career, Elliott expresses a deep commitment to her mission of combating racism. She views her work as a lifelong endeavor and remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion
Jane Elliott’s contributions to the field of anti-racism education have had a lasting impact. Through her innovative exercises, public speaking, and unwavering commitment to social justice, she has challenged individuals and institutions to confront and address racism. Her work continues to inspire and educate, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
References
“Jane Elliott.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Elliott
“The Eye of the Storm.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eye_of_the_Storm_(1970_film)
“A Class Divided.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Class_Divided
“Jane Elliott.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254486/bio/
“From racism to one race: the Jane Elliott story.” Orato World Media, https://orato.world/2021/07/12/from-racism-to-one-race-the-jane-elliott-story/
“Jane Elliott’s Message To Black Women.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAoLU9btfKU
THE BROWN GIRL DILEMMA 