The documentary
Paperclips discussed issues of stereotype as kids in a Southern middle school learned
about the holocaust. The movie addressed stereotypes that the kids face because
of where they live and others that face people across America and around the
world. The movie instructed its audience that in order to not prejudice others,
it is important to understand other cultures.
As seen through
the mixing pot of America, understanding creates a much better community. In
the secular school system today, knowledge of traditions from other religions
and cultures allows more people to work together. In elementary schools,
parents come to teach the children about cultures on diversity days, so that
they can know more and not insult each other unintentionally. If these students
grow up learning about others they will not prejudice people in their futures.
As the middle
school students in the movie learned, the holocaust was a time when prejudice
hurt a large population. In Germany, Hitler wanted to create a superior race
but did not acknowledge all that these people had to offer. Without knowing their
traditions or lifestyle, he eliminated 6 million Jews. He majorly shrunk the
population by convincing the rest of the German citizens of false stereotypes.
A greater understanding of others would have prevented this mass murder from
happening.
The middle
schoolers learned this lesson from the holocaust and then began applying it to
their own lives. Through their paperclip project they met many new people of
other cultures they were unfamiliar with, and treated tem with an open mind. By
not accepting stereotypes or placing them on others they were able to broaden
their education and become better citizen of the United States of America.
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