Accepting DifferencesAn Understanding of World

Religions

by

Matthew Shannon

• 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

Video

• 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.

Audience and Time

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

• World religions

• Stereotypes identified with certain religions and the effects on society

• Origins of personal beliefs

• Resolutions for overcoming religious differences

Themes

• 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.

Introductory Activities

1. What are some of the most popular world religions? What religions were shown on the video?

2. What words or images do you associate with these religions? What symbols did you notice in the video that represented these religions?

3. What is a stereotype? What are some examples from the video?

Discussion Questions

4. 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?

Discussion Questions

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

11. How can we improve religious tolerance?12. Do you understand more about world religions after this

lesson?

Discussion Questions (Continued)

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.

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.

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.”