Activity 1.3.7 Opposites Attract

Purpose

To develop sensitivity to sexual harassment regardless of gender

Materials

Handouts–

• (1) Scene One
• (2) Scene Two

Time

1 hr

Method

The facilitator will cut each handout in half.

1. Divide the class into two groups and ask them to pair up with someone in their group. One group will use the Scene One handout and the other group will use the Scene Two handout.
2. Give each pair the roles of Ricka and Edmund. Instruct them to decide how they will act these out. The participants must not talk to the other group about their role-playing scene. This will aid in observing their reactions when they see the opposite scenes being acted out. Participants must also decide on a solution for their character’s problem. Ask them to really take on the character of their role.
3. When everyone has finished discussing the problem and possible solutions, ask for volunteers to act out their scene.
4. Choose paired participants who have Ricka and Edmund characters from Scene One to act this out in front of the class. Ask them to also include acting out the solutions to their character’s problems.
5. Next, choose a pair of participants who have the Ricka and Edmund characters from Scene Two, and also have them include the acting out of the solution to their character’s problem.
6. Proposed Discussion
   • Have participants discuss how it felt to be Ricka or Edmund in their particular scenes.
   • How did each participant react when they saw the opposite scene being played out?
   • Was it just as viable a problem for each character regardless of gender?
   • What are some of the solutions when a person feels harassed at work?
   • Are the solutions the same for men as they are for women?