People Sort Activity

In our diverse and interconnected world, it is essential for young individuals to explore the impact of social constructs on our perceptions of race and identity. The People Sort activity challenges the commonly held notion of racial differences as solely a genetic construct. Instead, it prompts participants to consider how society’s categorizations and prejudices shape our understanding of individuals and communities.

Through this activity, we aim to create a safe and inclusive space for open and valuable conversations. By inviting your youth group members to examine their own preconceived notions and biases, the People Sort activity fosters a deeper understanding of the ways in which race and identity are influenced by social factors. It encourages participants to critically analyze the systems and structures that perpetuate institutional racism, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.

As a youth ministry leader, you play a vital role in shaping the perspectives and values of the next generation. By incorporating activities like the People Sort into your group meetings, you can provide an enriching experience that challenges young minds to think critically and engage in empathy-driven discussions. Together, we can empower our youth to become agents of change, advocates for equality, and champions of human dignity.

So, let’s embark on this journey of exploration and discovery. Join us as we dive into the details of the People Sort activity and uncover its potential to transform the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. Together, we can create a brighter future, one conversation at a time.

Remember, as a catechist or youth ministry leader, you have the opportunity to shape the perspectives and values of the next generation. By facilitating activities like the People Sort, you empower young minds to think critically, empathize with others, and champion the principles of equality and justice.

People Sort Activity

Materials

• none

Instructions

1. Have everyone gather into a group.  When each of the characteristics below is called out, have them sort themselves according to the group they belong to.
   • Right handed or left handed
   • Eye color  (could be several groups)
   • Hair color (could be several groups)
   • Can curl tongue or cannot
   • Dimples or no dimples
   • Freckles or no freckles
   • Curly hair or straight hair
   • Make up some of your own
   • Skin color (use the color of the underside of your forearm
2. Gather back together for debrief. Discuss the following questions:
   • When you sorted, were you usually with the same group of people or with different people? Why do you think that was?
   • Do you think people make assumptions about a person based on the  whether they can curl their tongues or have freckles or not? Why?
   • Do you think people make assumptions about a person based on the color of his or her skin? Why? How is this different than the other traits we looked at?
   • How do you think that history, society, and culture has an impact on how we view each other?