Session 9.4
BLACK AND WHITE
Introduction
An activity to encourage people
to look at images and words which are associated with
the words BLACK and WHITE in different contexts and
see if alternatives could be used. An introduction
exercise to promote the use of 'politically correct
language'.
Material
• Flipchart paper
• Coloured markers
• A large room or hall
• Tape
Time
1 hour
Group size
15 - 20 people
Process
Divide into small groups of 4-5
people and ask them to write the words 'BLACK' and
'WHITE' on two separate sheets of paper. The small
groups have to write down all the words and images
which come into their minds when they think of the
words 'black' and 'white'.
For example:
• White Christmas
• White House
• White-collar
• In black and white
• Black Death
• Black Humour
When the two lists are complete, come back into
the large group and ask a representative from each
of the groups to report back on what they came up
with.
Lead into a general discussion
raising issues such as:
• What did you notice about
the lists you drew up? Were they mainly positive or
mainly negative?
• What does this tell us
about the ideas most people have in their heads about
blackness and whiteness? Do these ideas affect us?
• Can anyone think of alternative
phrases which mean the same thing but don't use the
word 'black' or 'white' in a negative way?
Conclusion
Instead of a report of a representative
of each group, you can ask them also to make up a
short drama sketch about two or three of the words
which they pick out of their list. After the performance
you can then lead into a general discussion.
Another ways of exploring the associations
people have with the words "black" and "white"
can be found in the all different all equal education
pack. There is the activity, "White
future". You could also use the "Word
association game" described in chapter 2,
page 30 or the activity, "Cultionary".
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