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 Please complete the taping Request Form. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, in the year 2000, estimates were that one-third of all U.S. citizens were people of color. Today, one-third of the children in public schools are from what have traditionally been called "minority" groups. Today's changing demographics are compelling. However, the United States has always been challenged to find effective ways for its diverse population to live and work well together. One of the greatest obstacles to accomplishing this goal is prejudice. Prejudice refers to attitudes or opinions about a person or group of people simply because the person belongs to a specific religion, race, nationality or other group. The events of September 11 have led to increased prejudice and discrimination against Muslim Americans and Arab Americans. However, incidents of prejudice and discrimination towards many diverse minorities occur in our schools and communities every day. The WB's 7th Heaven presents a timely episode about the effects of prejudice and intolerance. In Suspicion, airing Monday, January 21 at 8pm/ET, Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman) steps in to protect her Muslim friend Yasmine (guest star Ashley Solomon) from bullies who have been terrorizing her because of her ethnic and religious background. Eric (Stephen Collins), Annie (Catherine Hicks) and the other kids all work together to defend Yasmine and her family, and, in the process, discover the sad truth that many people in their community share the same fears. To help parents and educators use Suspicion as a springboard to discuss prejudice and discrimination in light of September 11, as well as in a broader context, The WB is providing the following support materials, including backgrounders, suggestions for questions and activities, and resources for further research and investigation. This guide is intended to help you integrate this powerful family drama and the subjects of fear and intolerance into your classroom. We suggest that your students watch 7th Heaven with their parents and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions. A parent's guide is included to help facilitate home viewing. 7th Heaven is a contemporary family drama about a minister and his wife sharing love, laughter and life with their seven children. The Camdens are a surprisingly functional family, enjoying close relationships despite their occasional differences and the usual problems that every family faces. Parents Eric and Annie are always ready to face any challenge that comes their way on the roller coaster ride known as "parenting," while the teens on 7th Heaven help illustrate the many complex issues of growing up in the world today. Past episodes have tackled issues ranging from dating crises to teen suicide, sibling rivalry to gang violence. |