Principle 7: Overcoming Stereotypes

Quote of participant:
We came from many different cultures. When the Moslem boys and girls did not get into the pool together, I made no judgment. I accepted it and that was okay."
                                Amalia, 13 years old assistant youth leader, Tel Aviv

 

“Stereotypes of children from the “enemy community” were replaced with positive experiences and feelings that were created in a non-violent surrounding.”
                                Shelley Hermon, youth leader, London

“The main touching and encouraging element was the smile and joy on the faces of most of our children who were deprived of this smile because of hatred, tension, lack of human dignity and lack of mutual recognition of rights and the acceptance of one another as humans.”

                                Fuad Giacaman, Arab Educational Institute, Bethlehem

 

Example 1:
We came from many different cultures. When the Moslem boys and girls did not get into the pool together, I made no judgment. I accepted it and that was okay."
                                Amlia, participant

 

Music Example:
We sing in different languages, styles, cultural modes, different rhythms and melodies. The children then become open to diversity. Try a Greek dance, a French round, an Arab tune, an Israeli dance. Try one song with a simple phrase suchas good day or good-bye in many different languages! Learn to appreciate differences. Celebrate the other!”
                                Tami, Music teacher

 

Examples 1:
We took many gifts with us as we left but the most important was the feeling that we are all the same. We may seem different, differences that enrich and colour our lives but deep down we all share the same human feelings of joy and pain. We must remember that, and exercise unconditional love to one another, without prejudices, without judgments, without expectations.
                               Hilit youth leader

 

Explanations:
Children and adults build their perspective of the other from what they have been shown by their culture and the media, which stereotype the other’s culture and people. Through direct structured contact, and intense joint experiences of aesthetic movement and art, in a safe and secure environment, stereotypes can be reevaluated or changed through these experiences.