Stereotypes is a participatory activity designed to explore and reflect on the prejudices and stereotypes we form when observing other people. Participants analyze images cut from magazines and describe their initial perceptions, then discuss which aspects of their observations are based on clear evidence and which are assumptions.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Encourage reflection on how prejudices and stereotypes influence our perceptions.
- Promote open, respectful dialogue on topics related to diversity and equality.
- Raise awareness of how assumptions can limit our ability to genuinely understand people.
- Prepare materials:
- Photographs of people cut from magazines, ensuring diversity in gender, age, ethnicity, clothing, and context.
- Papers or notebooks for participants to take notes.
- Pens or pencils for each participant.
- An ample space for the group to sit in a circle and easily pass around the photos.
- Set up the space:
- Arrange chairs in a circle to facilitate interaction and photo exchange.
- Place the photographs in an accessible location to start the activity.
- To conduct the activity virtually:
- Use a video conferencing platform to share images with participants, ensuring clear visibility.
- Provide a collaborative document or virtual space where participants can write notes and observations.
- Facilitate an interactive discussion, using tools such as quick polls or chat features to gather contributions during the group reflection.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Introduction to the purpose
- Explain that the activity aims to explore how stereotypes and prejudices shape our perceptions when observing others.
- Emphasize there are no right or wrong answers; the activity is meant for reflection, not judgment.
- Observing the photographs (10 minutes)
- Hand out one photograph to each participant, along with paper and pencils for them to note their initial observations.
- Each minute, instruct participants to pass their photo to the next person in the circle, allowing everyone to analyze multiple images.
- Group discussion
- The facilitator reviews each photo, asking participants to share their observations and explain how they arrived at these conclusions.
- Guide the group to reflect on which observations are based on objective evidence and which ones are assumptions influenced by stereotypes or prejudices.
- Collective reflection
- Pose open-ended questions to encourage deeper reflection, such as:
- Why do we assume certain things about people based solely on their appearance?
- What did we learn about the difference between objective observations and assumptions?
- How can we prevent stereotypes from influencing our perceptions and actions?
- Pose open-ended questions to encourage deeper reflection, such as:
