Can You See the Color Gray?

Produced by Alexandra Corbin. 54 min. Color. 1997. Available as: VHS and DVD Captioned: No Catalog #: 0058 Order this title Sale Price: $250.00 Apply for Discount

This unique and provocative documentary examines the development, expression, and communication of racial and ethnic prejudices and stereotypes. It is sure to provoke discussion and self-reflection in any course that deals with racial differences and stereotypes.

"Cay You See the Color Gray?" shows numerous people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds as they grapple with probing questions about their racial attitudes and their feelings about their own ethnicity. The video is particularly revealing in its exploration of the subtle development of racial attitudes in children of varying ages, some of whom are followed over a two-year period.

The video is divided into two logical parts of 27 minutes each, which can be shown at different times. Each part is followed by a brief intermission, providing an opportunity to address questions or begin discussing the issues that have been raised.

This is a must-see for students of psychology, sociology, ethnic studies, multiculturalism, American studies, counseling, and education. It was produced by Alexandra Corbin.

Reviews

"Provides an excellent jumping-off point for discussions around the issue of 'difference.' In fact, taken in segments, the content of the film could provide sufficient subject matter for a whole semester's course material. One could tie it to university courses in Child Psychology or Cognitive Development, to a variety of courses in Education, and any course on Multiculturalism. The film demonstrates that, given a safe and nurturing environment, children feel comfortable rather than awkward in a difficult discussion. I found the opinions of the children enlightening, especially their poignant understanding of hurtful words at different grade levels. This theme marches throughout the film and reflects so much about the issues of difference and child psychology." -- Joanne Corben, Prof. of Child Psychology, Yale University

"An evocative and highly versatile piece that acts as a clearinghouse for residual racial tensions and gracefully guides the viewer through a kind of catharsis." -- Evelyn Kalibala, Director, Division of Multicultural Education, New York City Board of Education

"This video enables us to discuss what's uncomfortable. It creates a forum for difficult discussion to take place. It lets you, as a teacher or professor, address issues you might otherwise have trouble leading a discussion in. I find it especially powerful to hear the attitudes of the kids in the video. It's very intense, but it's what kids carry around with them." -- Millie Fulford, Head of the New Program, a Multicultural School in Brooklyn, New York

"College students and caregivers will find many layers of information contained in the structural progression of the video. Children are followed chronologically and, in one case, revisited after a two-year hiatus to consider changes in their attitudes. This film is a must for all of us: for children, for adults, for students in counseling, psychology, education, ethnic studies, and American history, and for educators and caregivers." -- Joan Gewurz, Dir. of Counseling, New York City Board of Education

Awards

• Western Psychological Assn. honoree
• New York International Film & Video Festival Award
• New York Festivals Award