Youth Over Violence

Activity

We all agree that it is individuals who affect change in our society. When we take time to get to know other individuals we discover that there may be more similarities and commonalities than differences around which we, as diverse people, can bond. That means that we cannot jump to conclusions, stereotypes, or prejudge.

We are complex individuals formed by many different influences. We are constantly learning the rules and methods of behavior from our surrounding environments and cultural cues. Where we were raised, our ethnicity, race, gender, religion, education, family, peers, schools, organizations, parents and family are incorporated into our identity as parts of our cultural identity. The following exercise provides us with an excellent structure for exploring the cultural influences from which we form our identities and those of others.

Hand out a copy of the blank to all of the students. In each circle, have them write one of the sources of their programming. For example, mother, father or parents will probably occupy one or two circles. Religious affiliation, race and dominant culture of the area (city, country or town) in which they grew up will, most likely, also be written into the circles. Have them fill in all the circles (adding more if necessary). Then have them write down the most important things they learned from each of theses sources of their programming. For example, if they were one of several children raised by a single mother, they may have learned independence skills at a young age. If their family had immigrated to California from a Latin-American country, they may have a strong tie to extended family. Explain that, when finished, the chart will contain the influences they consider to be important in making them “who they are.”

Have them break up into groups of 2-3 and share this information in their sub groups. They should point out similarities they have with diverse members of the group and spend time exploring differences with an open mind and an attitude of appreciation.

Exercise #4 – Summary
Devote some time to having the class share their answers and discuss positive aspects of diversity. Have each student relate some new information they learned about a peer with the rest of the group and what they find to be positive about this discovery.