RaceOff™is the original race-themed morphing video - a powerful video classroom tool, that helps unlearn the assumptions we all have about people based on how they look. This video has been used in schools, hospitals, and corporations around the country for more than ten years, and is currently a perminent featured installation in the famous and celebrated Race: Are We So Different national touring exhibit.
There are many ways in which we categorize people - from the size of the person to the color of skin to the language they speak. Within six seconds of observing or meeting someone, we most likely will make snap decisions as to what the person "is". We do this in order to categorize others and to make sense of the world around us. RaceOff works by 'morphing' between many faces so slowly, that you cannot tell the difference between them. And yet, gender, race, ethnicity, age and all the assumptions about each 'person' come into play every second of the video.
 
RaceOff is a tool that helps people:
  • Confirm that there is absolutely no way to discern where one race begins and another ends.
  • Understand that the way a person describes her/himself, and the way an observer might identify her/him, is usually very different.
  • Recognize that even within certain prescribed groups, individuals might identify themselves in a variety of ways.
  • Visualize that not all people from certain groups look the same.
  • Observe that there is very little difference between people.
  • Honor the code that reminds us we're all of the same race.
  • Enjoy the challenge of unlearning the assumptions and stereotypes we make about other people.

The RaceOff program is divided into three parts, each of which feature the RaceOff video. Each section should be viewed separately. Explain each section independently and just before viewing. Do not prepare the students for the other sections.

Video Section A: RaceOff morph-movie
Students must view this section in silence, taking mental notes on:
• The number of individuals they perceive within the video.
• Stop video, and then discuss...
• How many races they saw.
• How many ethnic backgrounds they saw.
• How many nationalities they saw.
• How many cultures they saw.

Video Section B: RaceOff morph-movie with 12 freeze-frames, lasting 10 seconds each.
Students should call out loud as many assumptions that come to mind about the person whose face has been
frozen on the screen. There are 10 seconds for each freeze frame.

Video Section C: RaceOff morph-movie featuring the original models and their identities
Students should note that the on-screen descriptions are self-designated by each model.

REVIEWS

RaceOff would make a good addition to sociology and social studies classes. The points are well-taken and the approach makes the audience active participants rather than passive viewers.
- School Library Journal

The library purchased the film for faculty use. I can tell you that we wore out our VHS copy and that is what prompted us to purchase a DVD version.
- June DeGennaro, Quinnipiac University

Simple, visceral and visually stunning. It turns the idea of race on its head. The truth of its impact is not soon forgotten and the message speaks loud and clear. Watching RaceOff was one of the most powerful experiences I had during my teacher training and I'm excited to share it with my students.
- Chris Pallis, French & Spanish Teacher, Bolton Center School, CT