I Stand For That

What is it all about?

Explore incidences of harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes common in society and social media to support students in understanding their impact and being advocates for the reduction/ elimination of bullying, gender based violence and stereotypes. This activity may be used an approach to a unit of learning.

Curriculum Connections

Grade 9: C1.5, C3.3

Grade 10: C2.5, C3.4

How is it done?

• Have students investigate incidents of harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes that exist in society and in media such as movies, song lyrics, television, print media, and the Internet.
• Lead a large group discussion about the impact of harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes on a person’s safety, identity and self-esteem and what individuals and a community can do to reduce or eliminate harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes in society and social media.
• Have students create a skit, song, poem or other art piece that communicates their understanding of the influence of harassment, gender based violence stereotypes on a person’s safety, identity and self-esteem and what actions can be taken to reduce or eliminate harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes that may exist in their community.
• Have students share their art piece with their peers.
• Facilitate a group debriefing session and have students reflect on what they have learned about harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes and identify strategies that they might use to be part of the solution of eliminating harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes.

What may be needed?

• A list of credible sites for students to search to investigate incidents of harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes
• Electronic devices for students to complete their investigation

Opportunities for assessment

• Use the submitted art piece and individual student reflections to assess each student’s understanding of the impact of harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes and understanding of strategies that may be used to help eliminate these in their community.

Ideas for Extension

• Have students share their artwork with an audience of their choosing to encourage inclusion in their community.

Educator notes

• Encourage students to reflect on how harassment, gender based violence and stereotypes have impacted their lives. If any inappropriate content or gestures come up in a performance, do not react in a disciplinary manner, but correct it.
• Acknowledge humour as a useful tool that increases memory, confidence, and self-efficacy and helps to combat stigma and diffuse awkwardness.