Intolerance in Literature

How is intolerance of cultural and racial diversity reflected in literature.

Debbie PollakI.S.126Q

Dpollak@schools.nyc.gov

Public Policy Analyst:Define the Problem

Gather the Evidence

Identify the Causes

Evaluate an Existing Policy

Develop Solutions

Select the Best Solution (Feasibility vs. Effectiveness)

What is the meaning of “intolerance?”

Defining the Problem

Intolerance is defined as not being tolerant or accepting of views, beliefs, or customs that differ from one’s own.

List a few examples of intolerance that you have experienced or witnessed:

I experienced _____________ _____________

I witnessed _____________ _____________

Gather the Evidence

What are some possible reasons for intolerance? Work with your group to create a list:

Identify the Causes

People often exhibit intolerance when they are:◦ Fearful (of the unknown or of differences)◦ Ignorant of other cultures◦ Disdainful of other groups/cultures, believing

theirs to be superior◦ Lacking in empathy and compassion for others,

especially those who look or behave differently

Working with your group and using the excerpt from the biography, Jackie Robinson: Justice at Last list five specific examples of intolerance reflected here.

For each example you cite, give a possible reason for the intolerance.

Think about other texts we have read and brainstorm other examples of intolerance and possible causes for them.

Identify the Causes

Below is a list of organizations and/or policies that you may recognize:

1. The Anti-Defamation League 2. The NAACP 3. Affirmative Action 4. N.O.W.

With your group, research how these organizations and/or policies try to combat intolerance in our society and evaluate their effectiveness.

Evaluate an Existing Policy

Now that you have examined the issue of intolerance in our society as it is reflected in literature and have explored some causes for it, the next step is to devise possible solutions.

Work with your group to list things that could be done to further reduce or eliminate intolerance in our world.

Develop Solutions