Strangers but able to change

A workshop for students, teachers, parents or a mixed group, to encourage the school community to communicate
and act together to change and address racism.

Participants will work together based on the short film “Strangers” (2004) by Erez Tadmor & Guy Nattiv, in order to reflect on the possibilities of communicating with others regardless of language, cultural background, or religion, for a common purpose, such as fighting racism and showing solidarity with people in need.

Steps

  1. The group sits in a circle and gets to know each other by saying their names. They then take turns sharing something they like (e.g., a favourite kind of food). Finally, everyone is asked to complete the sentence: Today I came here because… The purpose is to get to know each other to create a warm atmosphere, and to bring out the motivation and expectations that help the facilitator in the development of the group and the workshop.
  2. The group is informed about the film and its participants and asked to pay attention to what happens in the film, because the facilitator will pause it while they discuss what they see.
  3. Part A 0:00-2:00
    • What is the relationship between the two leading characters?
    • What unites them?
    • What separates them?
    • What are their feelings at the moment?
    • What do they think about each other?
  4. Part B 2:01-4:46
    • What changes in the lives of the two protagonists?
    • What unites them?
    • What would you advise them to do and why?
    • Can they act together to change the difficult situation they both live in?
  5. Part C 4:47-7:11
    • What unites them?
    • How did they communicate about joint action?
    • What was the result of their joint action?
  6. The facilitator divides the participants into groups and asks them to continue the story after the protagonists leave the underground railway. In 15 minutes to think about the scene just after the exit and present it either verbally or with a still image created by all group members, lasting 1 minute. Each presentation is followed by a reflective short discussion: Why did you choose this continuation? Why do they continue (or not continue) to get to know each other and act together? (In case the two protagonists do not continue their interconnection) what could we do to change things so that what unites them contributes to their interconnection?
  7. The trainer asks everyone to sit in a circle for a final reflection:
    • What is it like to feel like a stranger somewhere?
    • Is it possible that we all feel like strangers in some situations?
    • What is our attitude towards others, especially those in need or victims of violence?
    • What can we do when the rights and dignity of others are violated?
    • What can we do as a group against discrimination, racism and violence?

The workshop ends with a word from everyone that reflects their current experience.

Evaluation

Reflection circle at the end of the workshop.

Duration: 90 minutes

Materials:

  1. Computer
  2. projector
  3. speakers
  4. A4 paper
  5. pens.
  6. The movie “Strangers” is available here.
STRANGERS-BUT-ABLE-TO-CHANGEDownload

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