Exploring the misconceptions of national stereotypes

When we meet other people it is a challenge to get to know them as individuals and see beyond the stereotypes of their country, religion or culture.

Aim

To explore the misconceptions and stereotypes of people and places around the world and to think about the image we project to others.

Preparation:

Large sheets of paper and thick marker pens.

Cards with the name of a country on them - include four countries of the United Kingdom.

Method:

Each Patrol is given a large sheet of paper, a marker and a card with the name of a country written on it. Ask the Scouts to draw three things which represent that country. Each Patrol in turn is asked to share their drawings and explain why they chose the pictures, or the other teams could try and guess the country. Everyone is asked whether they think this is a fair representation of the country. This can be done a couple of times. Then give out the cards with the countries of the UK. Once they have drawn their pictures ask if they think this is a fair representation of how we live in the UK. Ask them to think whether they would want to dispel the myths which others have of us and how we could change people's perception of our country.

Taken from: Join-in-Jamboree Chile 1999