2.2 Personal Beliefs
ACTIVITY 2.2 A) INVESTIGATING PERSONAL BELIEFS~CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENTS
The purpose of this activity is to raise awareness about how we react to what others believe. It is not the statements being made
that are important; rather, what is crucial is how one responds to what is being said. Pay special attention to your own
feelings, interpretations, biases, physical and emotional reactions, and perceptions.
Controversial Statements:
ON THE PADLET (BELOW) RESPOND TO SIX OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS. You do not need to comment on whether or not you agree or disagree with the statement; only how you respond to reading it. The following stems may help you respond to the statements:
PADLET: Click on the Padlet below to begin writing your responses.
The purpose of this activity is to raise awareness about how we react to what others believe. It is not the statements being made
that are important; rather, what is crucial is how one responds to what is being said. Pay special attention to your own
feelings, interpretations, biases, physical and emotional reactions, and perceptions.
Controversial Statements:
- The death penalty must be brought back because murderers should not be allowed to live. Many prisoners live better lives in prison than they did as free individuals.
- It’s okay to practice your own culture within reason, but when you come to Canada you should be prepared to act Canadian.
- Giving homosexuals the same legal rights as heterosexuals is special treatment. Why should abnormal behaviour be rewarded?
- Our society doesn't give enough respect to the elderly.
- Life is so much easier when you have money.
- Of course we shouldn't mistreat animals, but if it comes to a choice, humans’ rights are always more important than animals’ rights.
- I guess some people on welfare have a good excuse, but most could get a job if they just tried.
- Just because he’s only 14 doesn't mean he should be treated any differently by the legal system than an adult. If you’re old enough to do the crime, you’re old enough to do the time.
- I believe in “an eye for an eye” and nothing will ever change that.
- Of course more men’s sports have greater prominence in the media than women’s sports. Men’s sports are just more popular.
- I don’t care what gay people do in their own homes, I just don’t want to see it flaunted.
- I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying items made by people in poor conditions in underdeveloped countries. At least they have a job.
- I think it’s rude for people who speak other languages not to speak English when you are with them.
- A corporation’s greatest responsibility is to maximize profit for its shareholders.
- Sometimes war is the only option.
- If someone doesn't like my opinion, that’s too bad.
ON THE PADLET (BELOW) RESPOND TO SIX OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS. You do not need to comment on whether or not you agree or disagree with the statement; only how you respond to reading it. The following stems may help you respond to the statements:
- I felt angry when I heard her statement about …
- When I read that statement, I was embarrassed …
- I hope one doesn't really believe that …
- When I read that, I couldn’t help but feel …
- The statement made me think about how dangerous bias can be …
- It was hard to hear that because I know it’s true…
- The statement is morally reprehensible because...
PADLET: Click on the Padlet below to begin writing your responses.
ACTIVITY 2.2 B) WRITING ABOUT A CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT
Select one statement from 2.2A and write a response on your Blog (link this blog page to our Google+ forum for sharing). In your response, you should:
ASSESSMENT: Use the criteria outlined in the assessment when writing your response. (Written Response: Personal Beliefs)
Select one statement from 2.2A and write a response on your Blog (link this blog page to our Google+ forum for sharing). In your response, you should:
- Identify the statement. Comment on the nature of the response (physical response—quickened pulse, raised eyebrow, laughter, scowl, etc.; emotional response—sadness, pity, empathy, rage, etc.; intellectual response—connections made to other situations or experiences, rationalizing or justifying, etc.)
- Comment on how the response made them feel—surprised, aware, bigoted, justified, etc.
- Indicate the likelihood of the same response in a non-experimental situation
- Indicate the possible reasons why your reaction might or might not change over time given new perspectives and understandings.
ASSESSMENT: Use the criteria outlined in the assessment when writing your response. (Written Response: Personal Beliefs)