SHOE BOX Exercise

Aims of the tool

Aims
To break the stereotype of what people wear or how they look, and who they are inside.

Objectives
1. To get people and participants to reflect on their inner selves;
2. To be aware of how easily individuals can make prejudices and stereotypes;
3. And to have fun while getting to know the city.

Description of the tool

For city excursion:
A group of 3-5 young students of non-formal program gather together, equipping with materials prescribed in this methodology and start off into the community. They plan a route that goes through different parts of the city to ensure reaching residents from different social and age groups. On the streets they approach people asking them the questions below and reflecting about it. Furthermore, they invite people to write/draw a message or just their names on a sticker note with regard to what they want to share from the interaction, which they later attach inside the box. After which the organizers take a picture of the shoe and the foot on the box and create a message to share with others through whatever method they desire.

For class/group style activity
Time: 20-45min (Depending on size):
Have an organizer begin in a circle. This would be a self-reflecting exercise until the reflection and sharing part. Individuals would be asked the following questions and think about on their own. After the questions are slowly read through, individuals can reflect on possible purpose of the exercise and how it could be related, for them, to prejudices and stereotypes.

Thoughts/Questions:
Can and should be modified according to the group
– pay attention to order and allow adequate time
1. Think of your favourite pair(s) of shoes…
2. Take a look at your shoe and shoe of the person next to you…
3. What kind of impressions do you form???
4. How accurately do you think it defines them or you???
5. How easy is it to change a shoe and your impression of them??? Or you???
6. Imagine how often you think about your environment when choosing your shoe???
7. How often do you reflect on your feelings and impressions of others and who they are on the inside?
8. Is there more to a person than their shoe, clothes, haircut, race???

Also, don’t forget to reflect on the exercise (be it in group or classroom setting)