From Kaf-tet to Shloshim

Stereotypes?

Synopsis

Two, complementary activities based on values clarifications around visual images to identify and explore misconceptions and stereotypes; participants react to pictures; in the second activity they role play.

• Activity No. 1
• Activity No. 2

Aims
Identify and explore labelling and stereotyping;
Relate stereotyping to distance from personal standpoint and evaluate misconceptions;
Review reality and enhance tolerance.
Relate Diaspora community life to Israeli reality.

Preparation
Series of colored pictures of Israeli groups as follows:
young people [not religious]
older [30 plus] people [not religious]
families with knitted skullcaps
young people with knitted skullcaps, preferably demonstrating chassidim [mixed groups]

For the second activity, find more examples of general groupings, as well.

Poster board/brown paper, tape, marker pens, writing materials...

• Activity No. 1

  Procedure

  1. Post the series of pictures around the walls with 2 large sheets of paper underneath.
  2. Ask the participants whether they have ever met Israelis; those who have and those who haven't can share their impressions of Israelis - are they different or similar to people in our community? On what do we base our opinion?
  3. Draw participants' attention to the pictures posted around the wall and hand out pens. Allow 10 minutes for participants to move round the "exhibit" and note down [on the first sheet of paper] their feelings towards the people in each picture.
  4. Review:
     1. Where were there the most positive/negative comments?
     2. What does this say about how we see the various figures?
     3. What do we have in common with these figures?
     4. To whom are we more tolerant and why?
     5. Do we see Israeli society as vastly different or similar to our own?
     6. What is happening there? Has our understanding deepened?
     7. How can people bridge the gaps and live together?
     8. Do we see ourselves as having a part to play in Israeli society?

  ---

• Activity No. 2

  Suitable for:
  16 plus, students, adults.

  ---

  • Variation # 1: Pictures

    Procedure

  • Split into groups of seven. Each group sits to one side of a central table, where all the pictures are on display.
  • Participants in each group are asked to choose people from different pictures whom they find interesting or with whom they identify and say why.
  • In the separate groups, construct a dialogue between the figures chosen on the topic of the future of the State of Israel. This means that initially, everyone has to give their character a name, say where they are from and what they do.
  • After 10 minutes, call everyone together and ask for one group to volunteer to present their dialogue, everyone stating first who they are. Since this is more or less a socio-drama, check carefully that everyone has understood their role properly! Then, allow them to start their dialogue. The rules are that anyone in the audience can call "FREEZE" if they have a serious question or something seems inconsistent. Watch and control the manner in which people talk to one another.
  • Other groups present [allow 5 minutes each].
  • Review.
    • How easy or difficult was it to imagine being an Israeli?
    • How easy or difficult was it to approach the topic?
    • What happened in terms of the dialogue and its dynamics?
    • Were we able to maintain a "civilized" dialogue?
    • What have we learned about other points of view?
    • What do we really think is going to happen in Israel?
    • Do we meet any parallels in our own communities?
    • How can we impact on the lack of true dialogue?

  ---

• Variation # 2

  Procedure

  1. In each group, have everyone read the same two of the five articles. Groups discuss and ensure they have understood the articles.
  2. Now create new groups, so that each group of five covers all the articles. Continue as from point 3 of above procedure.