How to Lead a Discussion on Interracial Marriage in America
- 1). Prepare for a heated debate. Interracial marriage is a subject about which participants agree or disagree. Ensure that they don't belittle each other's views just because they disagree with them. Instead, encourage them to politely state why they disagree and move to the next question.
- 2). Give participants a list of books or articles to read a few days before the discussion. Make sure the books you choose present both sides of the issue to ensure a fair discussion. Also have the participants answer questions regarding what they read so they can bring them up in the discussion.
- 3). Start the discussion with open-ended rather than Yes or No questions. You can ask a question like this: "President Obama is biracial. What implications does this have for interracial couples and how does Obama serve as a role model for the children of interracial couples?"
- 4). Have participants state their disagreements or agreements with the reading materials. For example, if one article states that interracial couples are more likely to divorce, a participant may disagree if he or she has been in an interracial marriage for 25 years and it is successful.
- 5). Conclude with final points. This step is intended to give a wrap-up of everything that was mentioned in the discussion, and to suggest ways to utilize the lessons that were learned in a practical way.
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