Remember September 11

(6-12)

Power Play (n41)

Subject

History, government

Objective

Elicit discussion on use and effects of power and compassion on a personal and social scale as well as an international scale.

Time Needed

Materials

Lesson

Step 1: Divide class into groups of 8 to 10

Step 2: Choose one group to demonstrate first while others observe…roles will be rotated so all will act as demonstrators.

Step 3: Give each member of the performance group a piece of paper numbered one through 8 (or 9 or 10 to match the number of students in the group) They are to look at their number. DO NOT TELL ANYONE THEIR NUMBER. Return the paper to the teacher.

Step 4: Instruct students that the numbers represent levels of power. One is the least powerful. Ten is the most powerful. With others observing their behavior, the performers will relate to one another non-verbally with no physical contact trying to determine the power levels of the other performers. They must identify appropriate behaviors for their level and act/react to those playing with them. The observers are also trying to assess levels. They are observing and keeping notes if necessary. There is no talking during this part of the exercise.

Step 5: Judge the activities of the performers to assess when they have “played it out” to the best of their abilities (2-5 minutes). Say “Freeze” to end the session.

Step 6: Open the discussion to the observers. Have them place the performers in order of power as observed. Physically make a line of the performers as directed by the observers. (Suggestion: make a quick first line then allow discussion and changes as majority rules…rarely does the entire group agree) Performers offer no comments at this time.

Step 7: Sound Off…Performers reveal their identities.
Discuss discrepancies…Why did you choose the way you chose? What behaviors did you identify as telling? What did it feel like to be who you were in the power game? What inconsistencies did the performers reveal? What are the challenges in this activity?

Step 8: Switch roles…Performers observe…Observers Perform.
Repeat above.

Step 9: Elaborate on discussion. Apply revelations and observations to social groups, nations. How does the understanding and use of Power effect the world dynamics? What defines power? Who has it? What power issues were at play on 9/11?

Step 10: Try the role playing using numbers to reflect levels of compassion rather than power….Discuss difference in behaviors and possible changes in the way the world might work…What is the relationship between power and compassion?