Sculpting

(download activity pdf)

Issues addressed
Images of sectarianism.
Prejudices and stereotypes.

Aims
To encourage participants to think about situations where sectarianism might occur and how they can react to it.
To raise awareness that everything may not be what it seems on the surface.

Time
30-45 mins

Group size
Any - each group sculpting should be 3-5 people

Age
Any

Instructions

1. Split the group into smaller groups (3-5 people).
2. Explain that they are to think of a scene that depicts sectarianism/religious intolerance.
3. Then the group should discuss how to depict this scene as if they were in a photograph.
4. Ask the group to explain their scene to the rest of the group.
5. Discuss the scene in the group - what they thought it was before it was explained, how this differs to what the group intended, how the scene might develop, how they might challenge the sectarianism/religious intolerance

Tips for facilitators
You need to be very careful that this activity does not degenerate into an excuse for sectarianism itself. Participants should be encouraged to explore the issue without perpetuating the problem, i.e. any negative stereotypes or prejudices should be challenged by the facilitator if the group does not pick up on them. You should also encourage participants to expand their scenes beyond depicting scenes of violence.