When I first read Jane Elliott’s story about a collar in her pocket, I was immediately struck by the profound impact it had on her life and the lives of others. This story, as told by Elliott herself, serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding.
Jane Elliott was a third-grade teacher in a small town in Iowa when she decided to conduct a simulation to demonstrate the effects of racism. She used a simple experiment involving a red and a blue collar to divide her classroom into two groups. The students wearing the red collars were treated as inferior and subjected to degrading and humiliating tasks, while those wearing the blue collars were treated as superior. The experiment lasted only a day, but the effects were long-lasting and life-changing for many of the students involved.
One of the most poignant moments in the story is when Jane Elliott realized that she had unintentionally treated her students in the same way she had been treated as a child. She had a collar in her pocket, a symbol of her own prejudice, and it was only after witnessing the devastating consequences of her actions that she was able to overcome her own biases. This revelation led her to become a lifelong advocate for racial equality and social justice.
The story of the collar in Jane Elliott’s pocket has inspired countless individuals to confront their own prejudices and to work towards a more inclusive and understanding society. It serves as a powerful example of how one person’s actions can have far-reaching effects on the lives of others. By sharing her story, Jane Elliott has not only educated us about the dangers of racism but also empowered us to take action against it.
As we reflect on Jane Elliott’s journey and the lessons she has taught us, we must remember that every individual has the power to make a difference. It is up to us to recognize our own biases, to challenge them, and to work towards a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. The collar in Jane Elliott’s pocket is a symbol of the past, but it also represents the hope for a better tomorrow.
