Stereotyping
The goal of this exercise is to understand the reality
of stereotyping and its impact on group norms.
- Begin this exercise by leading your students in a
brainstorm to create a list of the stereotypical labels that youth give
to each other, such as brainiack, dork, sissy, and jock, as well as
labels they would give to particular individuals. Handout a 3x5 index
card to each student to write a label on.
- Assign your students to create a paper headband that
a label card can be taped and worn on their head so they themselves
cannot see it. Have each student put on their headband with a pice of
double tape applied in the middle.
- Have your students go around the room and find another
person that they can give their label card to and have them stick it
to their headband so they cannot see the label.
- Next, tell your students to interact with each other
according to the labels that they are wearing for a few minutes.
- Now have students remove their headbands and share
their feelings about having others interact with them as if they were,
in fact, that label. Have your students discuss the impact of the treatment
they received on their behaviorl.
- Assign your students to make a list of the labels
they think are applied to themselves at school and define each label
as they understand them. Then have them make a second list of the labels
they would give themselves and explain why. Have your students reflect
on the differences between the two lists and write a brief paper on
their feels about the labels applied to them.
- Finally, lead your students in a discussion of how
they could positive impact other people's behaviors by changing the
labels they apply to them.
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