europe's (torn?) identity - Projects - AEGEE Europe

nomic conditions, nationalism, the fall of political systems, technological abrupt
changes - the stereotypes always existed but were in a dormant condition!
The young people are not devoid of any influence and are called to take a position
on the stereotypes about the other that circulate in this/her community. On
the contrary the young generation is encouraged to adopt the stereotypes and
to refrain from questioning them. Such pressures come from various levels. This
is related to the level of expectations of the young to conform.
In the context of a multi-ethnic society or multi-racial society the divisions take
place on the basis of cultural traits such as ethnicity, religious, color, etc.
Geographic ghettos, outside the common communication space, create xenophobia
especially of migrant groups or refugees and other new social groups.
The hostile attitude toward the one who is different from us in public spaces
shows that tolerance is not an easy process as we have indicated. The factor of
fear has always been used by politicians and other interested parties in order to
promote and implement a certain unpopular policy or interventions as has been
the recent invasion of Iraq.
Exercise 3: Experiential exercise (work in groups):
1. Who is the “other” in your country?
2. What are the main stereotypes, perceptions prevailing in your societies about
the “other”?
3. How do you think your society can address these stereotypes?
4. Make any recommendations for policy-making and attitude changes.
Participants discusing about (each) “other”.
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