Chapter 6: Social Context of Schools

Artifact: I used this picture as an example of what some girls see of themselves when they look in the mirror. I want to raise awareness of the diversity and how we see ourselves.


Concern for your image starts as early as elementary school. We start worrying about how we look as society impacts our decisions, and we learn more about what is popular (skinny models, buff surfers). Girls equate being skinny with being popular in our world because more stars and models, who are popular, are thin and beautiful. Girls become especially obsessed with their image. Some so much that they undergo surgery to change their appearance. Some students do not abide to change their physical physique, and therefore don't have the "popular" look. Students who do not fall under the popular quota are made fun of: for being fat or wimpy. Yet, put yourself in their shoes. This makes girls that are overweight, or boys without muscle feel rejected, depressed, and develop low self-esteem.
Lesson:
In our world, a boy who is tall, dark and handsome is commonly sought after as having a perfect physical physique. Many girls have these guys on their most wanted lists for possibilities. Meanwhile, girls are supposed to be blonde, blue-eyed and skinny.
Now lets Brainstorm. How many people in this room would fill this quota? Who is blonde, blue-eyed, and skinny for girls? Who is tall, dark and handsome for boys?
Show video of Bullying... Get reactions. Starting with Bullying Type #4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GcqSnNklq4
What could you do to stop this if you saw it happen? What if it was happening to you?
Card Game:
Everyone starts with 3 cards. You lose them by answering "yes" to one of the following questions.

Have you ever looked at an overweight person and thought that they should lose some weight so they would look better?
Have you ever thought you should lose some weight?
Have you ever felt pressured to look good when going to school, so that students might think what you are wearing is cool?
Do you go to the gym? To stay fit? Skinny? Give those around you the image that you are keeping fit and healthy?
Have you ever fasted and not eaten food for days to lose weight?
Have you ever used steroids?
Do you know someone who has used steroids?
Do you know someone who has committed suicide?
Fasting, excessive exercising, depression, steroid use, plastic surgery, implants, anemia, obesity, etc. Are all major affects to those who are harassed because of their appearance. Now I just have one more question.
Have you ever bullied someone because of their appearance?