stereotype

1. Debunking
stereotypes
& enhancing
the European
dimension
When we don't know something or someone well, we tend to use
stereotypes which are a simplified conception of a particular
person or thing that is generally wrong. Cultural stereotypying
leads to disinformation and to many cross-cultural conflicts.
What it means to be European? In fact, Europe is a union of
different countries that have different cultures within. This makes
it a mosaic of cultural diversity that is worth discovering, don't
you think?
How to avoid cultural stereotypying? Ask yourself questions,
practice empathy and interact with people who haven't got the
same cultural background as you!
A very useful technique to raise cultural awareness is the Cultural
Iceberg Approach.
Most of the time we have a preconceived notion of what a person should look like or should be according to a nationality
or identity. Not all Spanish people dance flamenco, Finnish aren't necessary blonde with blue eyes, French people don't
eat croissant all day long and not every Slovene is a ski jumper. By the way, how many countries could you name on this
map?
Could you guess their nationalities? Justify your answers and discuss them with your partners.
Check the right answers on this frame and ask yourself if they surprise you or not. Do you think most of people would
think the same? What can be the consequences?
Warm-up
Observe the pictures and the names of these actors :
Joel Basman Idris Elba
Riz Ahmed
1.British
2.Swiss
3.British
©Lucía Carel

2. 1.Look carefully at this adapted version of the Cultural Iceberg. Identify the icons with an
element of your culture
Ex:: The icon of the fork and the knife represent food and the most typical food in Valencia
(Spain) is paella
2. Do the same about our European partners involved in this project. Here some (or many)
sterotypes may appear.
3.Share the Cultural Iceberg you have imagined about one of our partners and check it out with
them in order to get to know them better. If you don't understand the reason of a particular
aspect of their culture, don't be afraid to ask for more clarification!
4. Compare what our partners have thought about your Cultural Iceberg and be empathetic. It's
normal to be offended by prejudices but don't take it too personally and try to provide them a
deeper knowledge about you and your culture that really reflects who you are.
Fighting stereotypes & enhancing European dimension
©Lucía Carel
Cultural
Iceberg
Surface
Culture
Deep
Culture
Visual Cultural Practices
Communication
& Social Rules
Values
©Lucía Carel