Several
questions can be used to process this activity:
- How
do the dimensions of your identity that you chose as important
differ from the dimensions other people use to make judgments
about you?
- Did
anybody hear somebody challenge a stereotype that you once bought
into? If so, what?
- How
did it feel to be able to stand up and challenge your stereotype?
- (There
is usually some laughter when somebody shares common stereotype
such as "I may be Arab, but I am not a terrorist" or "I may be
a teacher, but I do have a social life.") I heard several moments
of laughter. What was that about?
- Where
do stereotypes come from?
- How
can we eliminate them?
Facilitator
Notes:
The
key to this activity is the process of examining one's own identity
and the stereotypes associated with that identity, then having one's
own stereotypes challenged through others' stories and stereotype
challenges. Encourage participants to think about the stereotypes
they apply to people and to make a conscious effort to think more
deeply about them, eventually eliminating them.
As
with most activities, it can be especially effective if you participate
while you facilitate. If you are willing to share your own experiences,
participants are more likely to feel open to share their own.
It
is crucial, especially for the final part of the activity when participants
are sharing their stereotypes, to allow for silences. People will
be hesitant to share initially, but once the ball starts rolling,
the activity carries a lot of energy. Allow time at the end for
participants to talk more about whatever stereotype they shared.
After
everyone has shared their stereotype challenge, announce that anyone
who would like to share another one can do so. Model by sharing
another one about yourself.
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