Building empathy between the ingroup and outgroup is complicated. A large part of that complexity is distance from the lived experience. People often believe they are unquestionably part of a homogonous identity, whether it be their country, race, or political views for example.
Learning goals
This exercise serves to create awareness of just how much diversity a person provides even to the most unassuming parts of their identity.
Target group
Students and participants to workshops focusing on diversity in identity.
Materials
Pens (preferably coloured pens), and a paper per student.
Time needed
The time needed depends on the size of the group: with 20 people you will need a minimum of 2 hours.
Organization of the activity
Introduction (5 min): Greet the participants by introducing yourself and telling where you are from, specifically mention what city and region, ask the students to do the same.
Round 1 (5 min): Ask participants to individually write a list of 9 traits of a typical person from their respective province/city. These are stereotypes. Encourage the participants to think of general stereotypical descriptions of how the locals are seen by everyone else in(or out of) the country along the following categories:
- 5 descriptions about stereotypical appearance (both phenotypical physical features and clothing/presentation).
- 2 descriptions about stereotypical attitudes.
- 2 descriptions about stereotypical behaviours.
Participants must also draw a caricature of this stereotype.
Round 2 (2-5 mins per participant): Ask participants to present these characters one by one. Encourage laughter, and a light-hearted perception. This section should be less serious.
Round 3 (2-5 mins per participant): Once everyone has presented their stereotypical character, ask participants to sincerely compare themselves to the stereotype. Make sure participants identify similarities and differences on all 9 traits.
Round 4 (15-20 min): Ask participants to reflect on what makes them different from the stereotype of where they’re from and whether it makes them feel less a part of their local identity.
Conclusions: Explain to the participants that this is the complexity of identity and belonging. You are diverse. Your diversity may not be apparent until you are asked to be a part of a group that does not match the nuance of reality. Some of the qualities and traits are completely out of your control and may not reflect what it means to be a part of that group.