Pardon Me, Did I Offend You?

PURPOSE

1.   To explore some of characterizations that are made about various groups

2.   To examine some behaviors that may be offensive to others

TIME: 15 Minutes

EQUIPMENT: None

MATERIALS: Paper

PROCEDURE

1.   Ask participants to choose some phrase they have heard about a group, e.g., "They're lazy", "They always stick together", "They can't ever learn".

2.   Give the following instructions:

 

Relating to the issue you have chosen, jot down something you may have said or done, or know you have said or done, that offended someone. Be specific in describing the situation and what was said or done. Also, select a second situation and jot down something that was said or done by someone else that offended you personally.

 

3.   Organize the participants into small groups to share and discuss their situations. Ask them to discuss the things that were offensive. Participants may also discuss the intentions of their statements or behaviors and how they got misinterpreted.

DEBRIEF

Close by pointing out that there is a major difference between intent and impact.

In reality, it doesn't matter what a person's intent is; it is the impact the behavior has on another that counts.

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