Racism
As with any piece of Holocaust literature, the subject of racism is a topic for discussion. Racism is important for high school students to discuss. Maus I deals with Nazi racism relating to the Jewish people. Spiegelman chooses to draw attention to racism in the text through the use of different animals portraying certain races. Teachers should ask students about existing notions of racism in society today. Do they think racism still exists in modern American society?
This filmed experiment below shows lingering notions of racism in America.
It is easy for students to look at a text, such as Maus I, and say, "Racism isn't like this anymore, we've moved on." However, this video shows the racism that is still prevalent in America.
Activity
Have the students watch the video below.
This film is a social experiement by ABC News to present modern racism. This is one example from many different experiments they have completed. However, this shows that racism still exists in America.
Now ask the students these questions aloud for discussion.
1. What is oppression?
2. How does racism begin to manifest itself?
3. Do you think stereotypes help breed racism? Why or why not?
4. What is a marginalized group?
5. What marginalized groups can you think of in your society and school?
6. What does it mean to be a part of the dominant group?
7. Which group typically knows more about differing social groups, the marginalized groups or dominant groups? Why? Defend your answer.
Then direct the theme of racism towards the book by asking questions such as...
1. What attitudes do the Nazi's have toward the Jews? How is that presented in the text?
2. Why do you think Spiegelman uses different animals to differentiate different races and nationalities?
3. If Spiegelman used humans rather than animals in his graphic novel, do you think his message would have been as strong? Why or why not?
4. What other instances of racism show themselves through the text?
5. Why do you think Spiegelman chose to show other racist perspectives in the text that were not from German Nazis?
6. Do you consider Vladek a racist? Why or why not?
Now ask the students these questions aloud for discussion.
1. What is oppression?
2. How does racism begin to manifest itself?
3. Do you think stereotypes help breed racism? Why or why not?
4. What is a marginalized group?
5. What marginalized groups can you think of in your society and school?
6. What does it mean to be a part of the dominant group?
7. Which group typically knows more about differing social groups, the marginalized groups or dominant groups? Why? Defend your answer.
Then direct the theme of racism towards the book by asking questions such as...
1. What attitudes do the Nazi's have toward the Jews? How is that presented in the text?
2. Why do you think Spiegelman uses different animals to differentiate different races and nationalities?
3. If Spiegelman used humans rather than animals in his graphic novel, do you think his message would have been as strong? Why or why not?
4. What other instances of racism show themselves through the text?
5. Why do you think Spiegelman chose to show other racist perspectives in the text that were not from German Nazis?
6. Do you consider Vladek a racist? Why or why not?
Other Racism Activity/Lesson Plans
Listed below is a set of three lesson plans I found regarding racism and stereotyping.
Click HERE to see the lesson plans.
Click HERE to see the lesson plans.