Here’s a discussion-provoking activity to be used with “Why Are There So Many ‘Minorities?” by Mitch Berbreier from the Winter 2004 issue of Contexts. PDF here.

The following is a list of social groups that have advocated or could potentially advocate to be considered “minorities,” awarding them protection from discrimination under the law in the United States. Put a checkmark by the groups that you think should be legally protected from discrimination. Briefly explain your decisions.

___African Americans

___People with disabilities

___Women

___Gay and Lesbian people

___Transgender and transsexual people

___The elderly

___Obese people

___Latinos

___Asian Americans

___Legal Immigrants

___Illegal Immigrants

___Felons

___Native Americans

___Poor people

___Muslims

___White supremacists

___ Non-English speakers

___Atheists