Discussion Leader: Interpreting a Primary Source: Title:_______________________________________________
______ 1) Who was the author of this document? When was it written, & where? How would you classify
______ 2) Discuss who you think the document's intended audience was? Why that particular audience?
While the document is relevant for everyone, it was particularly intended for students. This is because by reading about the first hand stories from people who were actually there during the war, they can relate what they learn from stories narrated from books which, for the most are secondary sources. This document serves to validate history.
______ 3) What do you think the author's reasoning was for writing this document?
______ 4) Describe the social and political climate in America at the time of the writing.
How does the document reflect such a climate?
Despite substantial gains in terms of social and political progress, prejudice and the institution of racism was still prevalent during the writing of this document. And the document serves to reflect this prejudice and racism when the interviewee narrated about how she saw it during the war time.
______ 5) Discuss the historical significance of this document. Why is it important to read such a document
in a Race in America history class today?
It is important to read this document to raise awareness about the institution of racism and prejudice. While the Americans have made significant progress in reducing instances of racism, the goal should be the complete eradication of this institution. Young people should read it in order to make them aware about how racism can hurt a person and the society as a whole.
______ 6) What two higher level questions, from this reading, do you have for your audience? (Create your own questions; do NOT use questions found in a textbook.) Create a third question from the book
currently being read during your chosen week (Wakatsuki Houston/Pattillo Beals).
1) Put your place in a Judith Cohen’s situation, what would you have done to raise awareness about
the prevalence of racism during her time?
2) What is your assessment about the state of racism in the American society today?
3) As a member of the American society, how can you help in the eradication of racism?
______ Total (out of a possible score of 30)
