UNIT OPENER: Movie clip - Racial stereotyping

This video excerpt from Crash (2004) introduces some of the key issues we will be dealing with in the this unit, namely perception, categorization and stereotyping.

First, watch the video (about 2 minutes long) below:

Clip not available on YouTube - see stills on next page

After watching the video, think about the following:

  1. What evidence does the one black man give of prejudicial treatment in the restaurant?

  2. What is the stereotype about tipping that is mentioned?

  3. What happens when the black men and the white couple see each other?

  4. What role does the environmental context play in the encounter?

  5. To what extent are stereotypes refuted or confirmed in this scene?

Now, turn to the next page for comments.