Rationale
The purpose of this activity is to help students recognize that many points of view may exist on any given topic. While people often try to convince others of their positions, there is also value in hearing and understanding the perspectives of others, particularly when making decisions.

Requirements

Materials: Four (4) sheets of construction paper, colored markers, tape

Space: a room where students can move about freely

Time: 20 - 30 minutes

Number of participants: maximum 50

Directions

1. Prior to this activity, write the following words or phrases on the four pieces of construction paper, one on each sheet: STRONGLY AGREE, AGREE, DISAGREE, STRONGLY DISAGREE. Post the papers around the room, one in each corner.

2. Explain to students that you will read ten (10) statements on a variety of topics. After each statement is read, students will walk to the corner of the room that best expresses how they personally feel about the statement. If there is a statement for which that a student has no opinion or is unsure, he or she should stand in the middle of the room. Explain to students that you would like them to remain silent throughout this part of the activity. Encourage them to observe how they are in agreement with some of their classmates on some topics but not on others, and how sometimes they are in the majority and other times in the minority.

3. Ask students to stand. Read each statement below, allowing time for students to move to the corner of the room that best expresses their opinion on the statement.

a. Curfews for those under age 18 will help reduce crime.
b. Individual schools should determine policies on school prayer.
c. Immigration to the United States should be restricted.
d. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.
e. Stricter gun control laws will help reduce crime.
f. Our current welfare system encourages laziness.
g. All schools should have a school uniform policy.
h. Schools should do away with months like African American/Black History Month or Women's History Month.
i. The media in this country deliver fair and accurate accounts of events.

Discussion Questions

a. Which statement was the most difficult for you? Why?
b. Which statement was easiest for you? Why?
c. If there was a time when you were alone in your opinion, how did it feel?
d. Did you ever decided to change your opinion when you saw you did not agree with most of the class?
e. How did it feel when most of your classmates had the same response as you?
f. Was anyone in complete agreement with a classmate on every statement? Why is this unlikely to happen?
g. What are some of the ways people respond to one another when their points of view differ?
h. Do we ever change our views? What kinds of things influence us to change our perspective?
i. What does it mean to "agree to disagree?"
j. How does this activity relate to your relationships with your peers?

This activity adapted from the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute Anti-Bias Secondary Guide, © 1988 and The Prejudice Book, © 1994, Anti-Defamation League

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