Stereotypes – Controversial Topic to Raise Cultural Awareness

Much has been said about the dangers of generalization and stereotypying a certain group of people. Now, how do we approach it in the classroom?

Here’s a lesson plan I’ve used it in the past with my groups. The first part is adapted from http://the_english_dept.tripod.com/stereo1.html

1. ---

   Choose two adjectives that you think describe different nationalities.

   punctual tolerant romantic respectful hard-working emotional aloof mean honest ardent organized

   outgoing nationalistic well-dressed humorous lazy sophisticated friendly tedious systematic chaotic unpleasant aggressive polite rude arrogant ignorant casual refined reliable careless unstable dull disciplined

   hospitable talkative sociable serious quiet formal passionate tender uninsterested cold negligent untidy/disorganized messy

1. I show them photos of people that seem to come from a certain country and ask them to speculate where they are from and why they think they are from that nationality. 
2. They share their ideas with the group. 
3. Students group the adjectives above under categories (taste, attitude, feelings, organization, etc) and indicate which are positive or negative traits. Ask them to use the dictionary for unknown words. 

• Was it easy to complete the sentences? Did your answers come naturally? Why? Why not?
• Did the completed statements make you feel uncomfortable? Why? Why not?
• In general, were your responses positive or negative?
• List the stereotypes under positive, negative or neutral. What does this tell us about stereotypes?