Violence, Gangs, and Prejudice Program "Self Esteem, Conflict Resolution, and Stereotyping"

A Kids on the Block, Inc. Program

Appropriate for ages 10 - 12 or grades 4 - 6. This program consist of pre-presentation information, a 45 minute interactive life-size puppet play and follow-up activities.
Featuring John Sanchez, his younger sister Clare and her classmates Joanne Spinoza, Nguyen Huy Nam and Jason Robinson.

Alarm Bell - Resisting Gang Membership

John is overwhelmed by the sudden burst of business at the store. He is frustrated that his co-worker, Joanne Spinoza, is late for work. When Joanne explains that she is late because she overslept as a result of last night's party with a gang member. John tells Jo his story about his involvement in a gang.

Shake It up - Alternatives to Violence

Nam runs into the store. He has just been beaten up and his money has been stolen. As John tends to Nam, Nam recounts the incident with the bullies.

John suggests that Nam's plan to gather a group of friends and go after the perpetrators would only escalate the violence. John then takes the time to explain about the consequences of violence and helps the boys see that there are better, more productive ways to solve their problems.

Guessing Game - Prejudice

While Nam and then Jason return their videos to the store, Joanne plays a game of trying to figure out which video each boy rented "just by looking at them" Clare Sanchez overhears Jo and her stereotypical reasons for making her choices. After the boys have left, Clare talks with Joanna about racial and ethnic stereotypes - even those that seem like compliments. Joanne learns to treat others with greater sensitivity and personal respect.

True Colours - Prejudice

Clare joins Joanne for lunch at the food court. As Clare approaches, Joanne is studying the newspaper and she is lost in thought. As the girls being to talk about prejudice, Clare compliments Joanna on her abandonment of the video guessing game. Joanne confesses that although she is no longer playing her prejudicial game, she is still fearful of people who are minorities. Clare explains that the fear is normal, by the fear should be of particular behaviours, not particular people.

Post-Presentation

There are a number of follow-up activities that are included in the package.

After students have participated in the puppet performance there are a number of activities that can be done with the young people to stimulate discussion on the topics of gangs, violence and prejudice and deepen their understanding of the problems faced by persons dealing with gangs, violence, and prejudice.