Örebro - Stanford || Cross-Cultural Rhetoric Video Conference || February 22, 2010
Activity: Debunking stereotypes
I. 18.10-18.15 (Örebro) / 9.10-9.15 am (Stanford) 5 minutes
Welcome and introductory remarks
Time: Location: Put http://switchboard.stanford.edu into Marratech; choose CCR Lounge.
Welcome from Professor Anders Eriksson, Dr. Alyssa J. O’Brien
II. 18:15- 18:20 / 9:15- 9:20am (5 Minutes) Move to group rooms for collaboration in groups
Location: Rooms A, B, C, D at http://switchboard.stanford.edu.
Activity: Reconnect to the students you met two weeks ago.
What has happened in your classes since you met?
What topics have you chosen for your research papers?
III. 18.20-19.00 / 9.20-10.00 am (40 minutes) Debunking stereotypes
Activity: In the next 40 minutes you will debunk a stereotype that you have brought into class,
either on a USB memory stick or as an URL. The stereotype that you have chosen should preferably
portray a group that you know quite well. The activity has two parts, first you describe the
stereotype, then you criticize or debunk it. Decide what side should start. Load a visual
representation of the stereotype and your explanation of it onto the whiteboard in Marratech.
1. Describe the stereotype. Remember that a stereotype is a generalization about some group of
people that oversimplifies their culture.
In what source did you find the stereotype?
In what media was it published?
When was it published? Specific time or long period?
What group of people does the stereotype portray?
Does the stereotype have any truth in it?
Why would other people portray people from this group / culture this way?
Are there specific traits that have been exaggerated?
What makes the portrayal into a stereotype?
Does the stereotype build on ethos, pathos or logos?
How does the stereotype reflect cultural values or doxa?
2. Debunk the stereotype.
What is wrong with the stereotype?
In what way is it an oversimplification?
Does anyone use this stereotype for a particular purpose?
Does the stereotype lead to prejudice or discrimination?
What would be the best way to debunk this stereotype?
What other methods could you use to debunk the stereotype?
Now, at about 18.40 / 9.40, do the same for the stereotype that the students from the other side has
brought. (In other words, spent 20 minutes per side; keep time for your group.)
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CCR Video Conference: February 22, 2010
IV. 19.00-19.15/ 10.00-10.15 (15 minutes) Collaborative Group Work
Activity: Your group has been chosen as an international team for a project to combat
discrimination based on stereotypes. Pick one of the stereotypes you have discussed.
If you were given a budget of one million USD what kind of action would you take?
Whom would you target as your primary audience?
What would be your message to this audience?
Do you have a good slogan for your campaign?
What kind of media would you use?
Would you rely on ethos, pathos or logos primarily?
How would you time your campaign?
Write down you answers to these questions on the whiteboard in Marratech, include some visual
rhetoric. Be prepared to describe your campaign to the other students in the CCR-lounge in a few
minutes. Pick a speaker from your group who will deliver your statement & who will present the
evidence. Time limit: 2 minutes per group.
Before you leave the virtual group room, be sure to export your whiteboard onto the desktop so that
you will be able to open it up on the whiteboard in the CCR-lounge.
V. 19.15-19.30/ 10.15-10.30 (15 minutes)
Presentation of Team Statements and Closing Remarks
Activity: Presentation of your anti discrimination campaign to the rest of the class
Goals: To learn effective communication across cultures and as mediated through technology; to
develop active listening expertise; to teach others about persona and cultural values; to learn from
others
Location: In Marratech, switch to CCR LOUNGE, at http://switchboard.stanford.edu
Instructions:
1. Each Team will present its campaign and the stereotype it aim to debunk.
2. Listeners can type into the chat words of praise or feedback.
3. Closing Remarks by Professors Anders Eriksson and Alyssa O’Brien.
VI. After the Video Conference
1. Debrief at Individual Universities:
What did you learn about intercultural communication and global rhetoric across
cultures?
2. Please post a reflection on today’s video conference as a comment on the CCR blog at
http://ccr.stanford.edu – click on Blogging, “Read the Blog” – choose Feb 22 2010 post.
3. Keep in touch on Facebook! Join the Group “Cross-Cultural Rhetoric”
** Thank you for your active participation! We hope you enjoyed this opportunity to for
speaking and writing with real audiences across the globe.**
-- Anders, Alyssa, and the whole CCR team