The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

Appendix 3.10
Exploring Stereotypes – An Exercise
Presenting the Exercise (by the facilitator): [2 minutes]
“The following exercise has you take a look at the kind of assumptions and stereotypes that operate in the abortion
conflict. This is an opportunity for you to clarify who you are, and hear others do the same. Often in the abortion
conflict people operate very strongly on the basis of assumptions and perceptions of the “other side.” These
assumptions, or stereotypes, often substitute for personal knowledge and understanding. This can make people feel
unseen and dehumanized. Yet some assumptions are true. It may be hard to claim what is true for fear of being
saddled with what is not true.”
Brainstorming Stereotypes: [15 minutes]
1) Have people divide into two groups, one pro-choice, the other pro-life. Give each group flip chart paper and a
marker. Have the group designate a recorder.
2) Announce the task:
“Your task in 10 minutes is to create a list of assumptions or stereotypes that you think people on the other side of
the issue hold about you (or people with your view). The recorder will write the list on the newsprint, which will be
shared with the other group. In doing this, it may help to think about it this way: Imagine someone with a different
view of abortion learning that you identify as pro-life or pro-choice. What beliefs and attitudes do you think they
place on you, or might place on you? Think about experiences you have actually had. Keep in mind that
assumptions and stereotypes are not all necessarily untrue or negative.”
3) After the groups have worked for ten minutes, have each group finish and post its list within easy view. Call
everyone back together.
Sharing Lists: [45 minutes]
1) Give people time to read over both lists.
2) Lead a discussion based on the following questions. After posing a question, allow a minute for people to
think. Encourage people to speak from personal experience. Close by asking what’s been learned from this
exercise. Highlight any commonalities that emerge.
Question 1
“Looking at the list that you worked on, is there something on the list that for you is particularly painful or
inaccurate? To put it another way, ‘What do you want never to be said about you again?’ In answering, explain
your reaction. Describe your feelings. ["When I hear the phrase _____, I feel _____"] Share any specific
experience you have had that would help people understand.”
Question 2
“Looking at the list that you worked on, is there an attribute on the newsprint that you feel is true about you, at least
in part? Put another way, what on the newsprint is fair to say about you?”
Question 3
“Now look at the list created by the other group. (There are their ideas of what you, or others on your ‘side’, think
about them.) Do you relate to what is there? Does anything stir strong feelings in you?”