The experiment continues in Catlin as a busload of students from Corliss High School make their way to Central Illinois.
During the drive, the Chicago Southsiders got an eye full of what Catlin has to offer. Josh Miller, the brains behind the experiment says, “It was kind of quiet the whole way down with the corn fields, but we made a turn near Catlin and the kids saw cows grazing in a pasture and all the kids ran to the windows to see them and they were all screaming about it and laughing.
Once everyone got off the bus, the students took a foot tour around Catlin. Many commented on how different the village looked from Chicago, and some couldn’t believe there was only one restaurant in town.
Later, the students played games to get to know each other, and asked some tough questions about race and each other’s culture. The teens admitted to stereotyping each other before they met. Black students worried Catlin students wouldn’t accept them, and white students say they worried Corliss school would be dangerous.
Miller says the purpose of the program isnt to show students colorblindness, rather cultural awareness and understanding of racial difference. He adds, “I think what you need to do instead is to be culturally aware. Value other's cultures, especially people whose cultures haven't been valued in the dominant American society."
