The Beginning of the End

By : Hana Dubova, written 2004

http://www.followmyfootprints.co/primary-source-theend

Activity #2 : Agree / Disagree

Notes for Teacher : Before beginning the Agree/Disagree activity, define the word prejudice and explain its relevance in Hana’s story. Also, break the down how prejudice can lead to discrimination and persecution. For the agree/disagree activity, have the students get into the middle of the room and explain that you will say a statement and if they agree, they should go to one side and if they disagree, they should go to the other side of the room. If they feel neutral, they can stay in the middle. For those who stay neutral, they must explain why they chose that option. Start with simple statements about identity (draw inspiration from their identity charts). Then move into harder statements about prejudice (the older the group, the more challenging and controversial the statements can be). After each round of statements, allow for discussion amongst students.

Examples of Statements :

1. I have faced prejudice before.
2. I have been prejudice towards someone else.
3. Prejudices are always negative stereotypes.
4. The world as we know it did not just happen, but rather it is the result of choices made by individuals and groups through history.
5. The smallest of decision have enormous consequences for both good & evil.
6. It is hard to break away from stereotypes.
7. Who we are by definition (race, economic status, religion) has nothing to do with who we are as a person.

Materials Needed : N/A

Debrief Questions : What is the risk of prejudice? How does it lead to discrimination and persecution? Where do you see prejudices in your own lives today?