SUBJECTS: Civics and Citizenship, History
YEARS: 9–10
Find out about the frustration and anger of African Americans and their experiences of racism in the 1960s.
Discover what disadvantaged African Americans living in Harlem in 1968 had in common with African Americans living in the wealthy, advantaged suburbs.
Things to think about
- 1.In Australia today, what evidence, if any, do you see of racism? Can you think of any government policies that you would describe as having racist overtones? Are there any policies that address racism?
- 2.What evidence of racism against African Americans in the 1960s can be found in the clip? What does Julius Mitchell think will happen if the American government doesn't help disadvantaged African American people? How have some white Americans shown the Robinsons that they are not wanted? What solution does Jo Robinson offer for bridging this divide?
- 3.Are the people interviewed in the clip optimistic about a peaceful resolution to the tension between African Americans and white Americans at the time? Which, if any, of the solutions offered by those interviewed do you think might lead to the most positive outcome?
- 4.Was the situation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the 1960s similar to that of the African Americans explored in the clip? Research the organisations associated with the Black Power movement in the USA in the 1960s. Were there any similar organisations in Australia at the time?
Date of broadcast: 19 Oct 1968
Copyright
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