Step Forward, Step Back s1

Step Forward, Step Back 6/7 Bullying Activity

Teaching Point: Today we are trying to put students in a situation where they can physically see the advantages and disadvantages in their lives. They may be uncomfortable at points, but the end goal is for them to make connections to our Dunckel Values and how we treat others. The discussion questions at the end provide an opportunity to have the students share what they experienced.

Step Forward, Step Back,

Directions: Everyone starts out on a line in the middle of the room facing one wall and holding hands. Participants are asked to listen to each statement and to respond if it applies to them. They are asked to do the exercise silently so that they can notice the feelings that come up for them.

Read to the kids: Participation in this game is voluntary. If I ask a question that you are not comfortable answering, you can simply stand where you are, or lie. It is not always safe for us to tell the truth or reveal who we are because we’re afraid of how people will treat us. Please do this exercise in silence. If you don’t hear a question, ask me and I will repeat it. If you don’t understand a question, either make a guess or don’t respond to it. Step Forward Step Back

1. If your family owned their own home. 1. If either of your parents did not graduate from college. 2. If you or anyone in your immediate 2. If you did not vacation outside your family is a doctor, lawyer, minister, teacher, home state before you were 18 years old. or professional.

3. If you grew up with people of color or 3. If you are black, Latina, Native working class people who were maids, American, Indian, Asian, Arab, or Middle servants, gardeners or daycare in your Eastern descent. house.

4. If, as a child, your family took you to a 4. If you ever felt like you couldn’t do an museum, historical site, concert, or play. activity or have something because your family really could not afford it.

5. If you are a man. 5. If you were raised by someone other than by both of your parents.

6. If your family had more than fifty 6. If you ever felt an opportunity or books in the house when you were growing experience was closed to you because you up. didn’t know how to speak, dress, or act.

7. If your family told you that you could 7. If you have ever been unable to attend be or do anything that you choose. an event or gathering because it was not accessible to people with your disability.

8. If you were taken to art galleries, 8. If you have ever felt judged or museums, or plays by your parents. uncomfortable because of the size, height, or shape of your body.

9. If you ever attended a private school or 9. If your family taught you that police summer camp. were someone to be feared.

10. If you grew up expecting that your 10. If your parents told you that you were family beautiful or pretty and therefore what you thought or did wasn’t important.

11. If you believe that police would help 11. If, as a child, you were ever hungry or you in an emergency. worried that there would not be enough food.

12. If your family has a second home (Up 12. If your family was ever forced to move North) or your home is larger than most of or had utilities shut off, because they could your friends’ homes. not afford to pay their bills.

13. If you or one or both of your parents are 13. If you or any member of your or were members of unions. immediate family has ever been on welfare. 14. If most of your friends are the same 14. If you or any member of your family race as you. gone to jail/prison.

15. If people with power in your 15. If you have ever lived somewhere that community look like you. didn’t feel safe.

16. If people that you see in the media, TV, 16. If you have ever hesitated to reveal your newspapers, and magazines look like you. or your family’s religious tradition.

Now I want us to imagine that we are all together on a life raft in the middle of the ocean. We have one barrel of water. The first people to touch this wall will decide how that water will be distributed among us. Do you think they will be fair? Who do you think will get the most?

The activity today shows us that each person has a different background. We each have advantages and disadvantages in our lives. This activity shows us just how those advantages and disadvantages affect our lives. As a group let’s discuss how we felt about our steps forward and back.

1. How did it feel to step forward? How did it feel to step back?

2. For those people who kept stepping forward how did it feel to look back and see people behind you?

3. For those people who kept stepping back how did it feel to look ahead and see people so far in front of you?

4. What do you think all of these steps have to do with bullying?

5. Have you ever seen someone bullied for one of the things that you stepped forward or backward for? How did you feel about it?

6. How does it feel to be bullied about something you can’t help?

7. Why do you think people bully?

8. Is it ever ok to bully? Why or why not?