Antisectarian

Lines of prejudice

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Issues addressed
Personal prejudices and preconceptions.

Aims
To consider personal prejudices and preconceptions.
To challenge prejudices.
To explore stereotypes.

Time
30-45 mins

Group size
Any

Age
Any

Instructions

Tie a piece of string/rope from one end of the room to the other, tie a scarf or ribbon in the middle of the string/rope to indicate the centre. Give each person a clothes peg. Tell them that one end of the room is to agree strongly, the other end is to disagree strongly and the middle is to be neutral. For each statement that you are about to read they should put their clothes peg on the line to indicate their position on each statement. You will then discuss people's reactions before moving on to the next statement.

Suggested statements:

It is OK to have a girl/boy friend/partner that is from a different faith.
It is OK to have a friend who is from a different faith.
I know someone from a different faith.
I do not know anyone from a different faith.
I would not want to know anyone from a different faith.
I think all Christians/Muslims/Jews/Hindus/Buddhists/Pagans etc. are right/wrong/weird/fundamentalists/terrorists.
I work with someone of a different faith.
I would not mind working with someone of a different faith.
I would not want to work with someone of a different faith.
I could not work with someone of a different faith.
I wear specific clothes or accessories to symbolise my faith.
I think it's OK for people to wear specific clothes or accessories to symbolise their faith.
I think people should keep their faith to themselves and not display it outwardly.
I worship on a regular basis.
It annoys me that people take time off or will not do things because they want to worship on a particular day or particular time.
I do not know much about religions or beliefs.

Tips for facilitators
You may wish to consider whether people will be allowed to abstain or not, if they become too uncomfortable with this exercise.

Variation on the theme (active)
This is slightly more basic but instead of the string/rope people can stand, sit or lie down, or stand on a table, a chair or the floor, to indicate their positions; alternatively put thumbs/hands up, in lap or pointing down. Highest position is agree, middle position is neutral and lowest position is disagree.