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Using an image is a great way to spark conversation around stereotypes, biases and discrimination.
Using an image is a great way to spark conversation around stereotypes, biases and discrimination.
The following posters from unlearn.com are an example of how images can be used as provocations to challenge students to think critically. Educators may choose to use the See-Think-Wonder thinking routine to encourage students to look carefully and think deeply about the messages the posters convey.
Posters Packs are available in print and digital. Visit unlearn.com for more info.
unlearn. Blood Design.pdfWhat do you see?
This question encourages students to make careful observations. It also helps stimulate curiosity and sets the stage for inquiry.
The following scaffolding questions may also be used:
What is the same on the poster?
What is different?
What do you think?
This question encourages students to interpret what they see. It allows them to make connections between what they see and their prior knowledge and experiences.
What do you think is the artist’s intended message?
Why are there lines separating each red shape and name? What lines in society do these lines reflect?
How does the message of this poster relate to conflict occurring in society and throughout the world at this time?
What does this poster say about Islamophobia that exists in society today?
What do you think we should unlearn? How can this be unlearned?
What do you wonder?
This question gives students the opportunity to inquire more deeply into the potential meaning/messages of the poster by asking rich questions.
unlearn. Doctor Design.pdfWhat do you see?
This question encourages students to make careful observations. It also helps stimulate curiosity and sets the stage for inquiry.
The following scaffolding questions may also be used:
What do you notice about the image of the person?
What do you notice about the shadow?
What do you think?
This question encourages students to interpret what they see. It allows them to make connections between what they see and their prior knowledge and experiences.
The following scaffolding questions may also be used:
What do you think is the artist’s intended message?
What stereotypes about Muslim women is this poster attempting to break?
What do you think we should unlearn? How can this be unlearned?
What do you wonder?
This question gives students the opportunity to inquire more deeply into the potential meaning/messages of the poster by asking rich questions.
Lesson Ideas
Lesson Ideas
Public Service Announcments (PSAs)
Public Service Announcments (PSAs)
“What do you call a Muslim flying a plane?”
It’s the beginning of a “joke” that’s sure to have an offensive punchline. But in a scenario crafted by a group of Ontario organizations, a teenage boy shuts it down with a different answer.
The group, led by OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants), is taking on hatred and Islamophobia specifically with a new campaign that challenges bystanders to stand up for what they know is right (and stop behaviour they know is wrong).
OCASI has teamed up on the initiatives with the Canadian Arab Institute, the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Working with agency Mass Minority, the campaign is centred on the theme “Break the Behaviour,” and the need for communities and individuals speak out against hatred and racism.
This PSA (public service announcement) features a family wrapping up a day at an ice-skating rink, only to arrive home to find “Muslims go home” painted on their garage door. Though undoubtedly a heart-wrenching moment, neighbours arrive to help clean the message off the door.
The campaign, running on TV and social media, drives to a “Break the Behaviour” website, where visitors can sign a pledge to reject Islamophobia. Consider signing the pledge.
Though many Canadians have been welcoming of Syrian newcomers in particular, Muslims in Canada have experienced a doubling in hate crimes over a three-year period. Forum Research also reported back in December that Muslims are most likely to face unfavourable feelings by Canadian adults, versus other minority groups.
Classroom Discussion Questions
Classroom Discussion Questions
1. Watch the 2 PSA's - Public Service Announcements (30 seconds each). In your opinion, what is the Public Service Announcement being made with these media spots? What is the purpose of a PSA?
2. Are these PSA's effective? Why? Why not?
3. Why does Islamophobia exist in our world?
3. What else might be done to help counter Islamophobia in our society? Consider what Governments, business, educational institutions, and what individuals might do to eliminate bias, stereotyping and discrimination of Muslims and followers of Islam?
4. Read the following quote:
“Human rights systems play a key role in holding institutions and individuals accountable for discrimination. But to create a culture of human rights, we need to empower individuals to challenge racism and Islamophobia in the moment,” says OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane. “This campaign does just that – it encourages us all to see ourselves as human rights accountability agents.”
What is a "human rights accountability agent?"
What else have you seen, know or do to challenge Islamophobia in the moment?
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