Accepting Differences

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Accepting Differences

• An Understanding of World Religions
• by
• Matthew Shannon

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Video

• Students are shown an episode of The Simpsons
  entitled She of Little Faith. In this program,
  the young daughter, Lisa, becomes disenchanted
  with Christianity and explores new faiths,
  eventually deciding to become a Buddhist. The
  program introduces a variety of religious
  practices through characterization and exposes
  some major stereotypes associated with these
  religious beliefs.
• Episode written by Matt Groening

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Audience and Time

• This lesson would best function in a Middle
  School class, grades 6-8. This could also be
  effective at the High School level, with
  additional requirements and more complex
  discussion questions.
• The entire lesson should take about 5 class
  periods. The introductory activities and
  follow-up exercises will each require a minimum
  of 2 class periods. Students should not be
  limited in time during these activities.

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Objectives

• Students will learn about various world religions
  and their origins
• Students will learn about religious stereotypes
  and and recognize the effects on society
• Students will discuss stereotypes that may exist
  in Colombian society
• Students will learn to recognize, respect and
  appreciate the religious differences throughout
  the world

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Themes

• World religions
• Stereotypes identified with certain religions and
  the effects on society
• Origins of personal beliefs
• Resolutions for overcoming religious differences

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Introductory Activities

• Students will work in small groups on an activity
  called Village of 100 People. For this
  exercise, students will estimate the size of
  various religious groups to make a precise sample
  of 100 people on earth. They will only be
  provided a list of various religions.
• Students will compare their ideas from Village
  of 100 People with factual data on world
  religions. They will discuss these revelations
  in small groups and make world maps showing major
  religions and areas of practice.
• Students will read a short selection from the
  textbook on culture and world religions. They
  will answer follow-up questions to the content of
  the article.

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Discussion Questions

• What are some of the most popular world
  religions? What religions were shown on the
  video?
• What words or images do you associate with these
  religions? What symbols did you notice in the
  video that represented these religions?
• What is a stereotype? What are some examples
  from the video?

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Discussion Questions

• What are some other stereotypes that you have
  heard or experienced? Do you feel that
  stereotypes are used frequently in Cali? What
  group is most stereotyped?
• 5. Do you think the stereotypes used in the
  video were harmless or could they hurt some
  people? Did you feel offended by any of the
  content?
• 6. How did the character (Lisa) in the video
  choose her religious beliefs? How do most people
  decide their faith? How do you choose your
  beliefs?

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Discussion Questions (Continued)

• 7. Have you ever felt uncomfortable around
  people with different religious beliefs? Explain
• 8. Have you ever taken part in a religious
  ceremony different from your own? Did you enjoy
  the experience? If not, why?
• 9. How important do you think religion is to
  culture? Is religion the same as culture?
• 10. Do you think religious prejudice is a
  severe problem in Cali? In the world? Explain
• How can we improve religious tolerance?
• Do you understand more about world religions
  after this lesson?

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Follow-up Activities

• Students research to find the number of churches
  in the city of Cali and the number of different
  religious practices. All data will be discussed
  in class.
• Students write a Letter to the Editor to The
  World Newspaper in which they argue against a
  religious stereotype.
• A guest speaker from the Hindu community in Cali
  is invited to class for a presentation and
  student questions.

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Final Thoughts

• This video works great for students of all ages.
  Although some children may have difficulties with
  the sarcasm, it is an effect learning tool in a
  cultural unit. The students can recognize,
  relate, and refrain from stereotypes with the
  help of this video. The videotherapy is a step
  in the process of building cultural awareness.

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References

• Groening, Matt. She of Little Faith The
  Simpsons 2001.
• Jacobs, Heidi. Geography Tools and Concepts.
  Massachusetts. 1998.
• www.100Peoplefoundation.org. 100 People A
  World Portrait.