The Effects of Segregation

Mrs. Gagliardi's and Mr. Alaimo's classes teamed up for an extremely powerful lesson on segregation. First, the classes were read Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. to gain an understanding of the concept. Then they were divided into two groups - "purple" and "green." The first half of the school day the purple group played the role of the "white" man. They were given privileges such as use of the water fountain, rest rooms, and being able to ask questions in class. The green group were not allowed to speak in class, could not use the water fountain and had to use the rest room at the far end of the building. Students switched roles during the later half of the day. This was a learning experience both groups will never forget!

It all started out when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. Segregation is not fun at all. People should be treated fairly and respected or else everybody would be fighting and arguing. It is not nice for people to be segregated.

By Christopher

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. It felt horrible because I couldn't talk to my friends. All people should be treated the same. I feel that all people should be treated the same because when we treat others badly, we hurt their feelings. All people should be treated equal and not be treated like an outcast because of their skin color.

By Kevin

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo separated us into the green and purple people. After that, Mr. Alaimo started to be mean and I got really, really mad! He mad the green group go on the back of the line, even at lunch. The day was horrible, but then when we got in the class he started to be nice to the green group. I was much happier. I think all people should be treated the right way. They shouldn't be treated like garbage. We should treat everybody the right way because it doesn't matter if you are black or white because we are all the same.

By Allan

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. I did not like being separated. I felt sad and left out. Half of the class could not talk to the other side. You should include everyone, even if they have different skin, hair and eyes.

By Courtney

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green. First, the green people got treated badly and I was one of them. It really felt bad to get separated. It hurts your feelings. The only good thing that I was thinking was at least I was with my friends. I think everyone should treat everyone with respect. If people didn't, nobody would get along and everybody would fight. After lunch I felt a lot better because I got to be purple. Segregation feels bad and everybody is equal.

By Danny

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. In the morning, he gave the purple group candy and not the green. Also, he let the purple go in front of the line. It feels bad to be segregated. When you are, people treat you badly and it hurts you. You will feel very bad about it. People should be treated like equals because they all are. Everybody needs to be treated the same, If not, some people would feel left out. I know what it feels like now.

By Michael

Today I felt the effects of segregation. I was separated from some of my best friends. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. It was like living in the 1950's. First, the purple group was white and the greens were black. We weren't allowed to talk to each other. I didn't like being segregated from my friends. Usually, I get to see my friends, but today we were separated. My best friend, who was green, is rachel. After lunch, everything changed. It felt better to be treated fairly. Then everything ended and we were back together. I was so glad to be back with my friends. We should all be treated fairly and respect each other.

By Lindsay

Today I felt the effects of segregation. It all started when Mr. Alaimo split us into purple and green groups. It feels very bad to be discriminated against. When you are discriminated it feels like people think you're invisible and they are very mean to you. Now I know what segregation is and I do not like it.

By Joseph