Stereotyping Activity Guide
This two-part activity guide is designed to teach children to recognize stereotypes in the media:
- Once Upon a Time: Familiarize children with the concept of stereotyping.
- TV Stereotypes: Help children understand the role that stereotypes play in TV's portrayal of life.
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The seven “deadly stereotypes” of children in the media:
1) Kids as victims
2) Cute kids sell newspapers
3)Little devils
4) Kids are brilliant
5) Kids as accessories
6) "Kids these days"
7) Brave little angels
(Source: Children's Express)
Brainstorm with your Unit to make up your own list of "deadly stereotypes" of kids, girls or women.
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Stereotypes: Story Starter
Explain how stereotypes work, next distribute the Story Starter handout which asks your Brownies to turn the concept of stereotyping on its ear by creating a story about an alien world where being large is considered beautiful.
Kids' Lives/TV Lives
Using this handout, ask the girls to compare their lives to that of characters shown on a TV sitcom.
Talking about Super Heroes and Heroines
Use these discussion starters to help the girls understand what makes a hero or heroine special and how stereotyping can influence how we view heroic figures in our culture.
- Talk about the kinds of TV super heroes and heroines the girls like to watch. Ask what a hero or heroine means to them. What qualities should super heroes and heroines have to make them special? Explain that anyone can be a hero or heroine: a parent, a friend or a neighbour.
- Discuss the ways that conflicts are solved on super hero shows. Talk about conflict resolution skills and how they could be applied to situations that super heroes and heroines find themselves in.
- Have your Brownies make posters illustrating what their ideal super hero and heroine would look like and what their characteristics would be.
Making Lists of Stereotypes
Using books, magazines or clips from TV shows, create a list of similarities and differences in appearance and body size for "good" and "bad" characters.
- List the characteristics assigned to boys and to girls on TV shows and in movies. Have the girls compare these characteristics with those of friends and siblings. Do they know boys who like to cook? How about girls who like to play hockey?
- List the types of jobs portrayed in the media. Who is doing these jobs -- men or women? Compare with real life. What kind of jobs do the girls' parents have?
