Exercise - Question:
Que: Match the following statements in a way that challenges stereotypes:
Ans:
(a).3.Remark. Many people have formed a stereotype that people living in cities or having influential jobs like surgeon are busy and do not give time to their family. But this example proves that feelings for the family are universal and the surgeon wanted to talk to her daughter.
(b).4.Remark. This challenges the stereotype that crippled children are good for nothing. But the truth is that they have only one, or probably two defective organs, but they can still use their mind and talent and win prizes like this boy. .
(c).1.Remark. This challenges the stereotype that chronic asthma patients can not run fast or take part in sports.
(d).(2)Remark. This challenges the stereotype that only influential and high- class people can dream big. Even poor people can dream big and prove themselves.
Que: How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affects the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least Jive different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.
Ans:
Girls have been treated as a burden since time immemorial. Even today their condition has not changed. Whether it is home or outside, they are not given due opportunity. The mental set-up of the parents is such that it never accepts the birth of a daughter wholeheartedly. As a result girls’ life is badly affected. Here is the list of five different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated.
(i) Girls would feel discouraged and they would not concentrate to their studies.
(ii) All their dreams to achieve separate identity in the society would be shattered.
(iii) Sometimes girls are not allowed to join any school or college. This ruthless altitude of the parents towards their daughters ruin their career. They feel helpless even in their parents’ house.
(iv) Even marriage does not bring fortune to the girls all the time. Some in-laws prove themselves good by giving proper treatment to the newly married girls. But most of the time we find that they are ill-treated in their in-laws’ house. They are subject to exploitation.
Que: What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?
Ans:
Our Constitution provides that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or region.
It is important for all people to be equal because only then our society would develop in true sense of the term. It is our right to be treated equally. It is our right to be given due respect. It is our right to be given equal opportunities. In absence of all these, our life would be hell. Our personality would be suppressed. Hence, we need equality so that we may go ahead without any hindrances. We may prove ourselves helpful in the development of the society and country.
Que: Sometimes people make prejudiced comments in our presence. We are often not in a position to do anything about this because it is difficult to say something right then and there. Divide the class into groups and each group discuss what they could do in one of the following situations:
(a) A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.
(b) You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.
(c) Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.
(d) Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.
(e) Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them.
Discuss in class what the different groups have suggested for the above situations, and also talk about the problems that can come up when raising the issue.
Ans:
(a) I would try to convince my friend that being a poor is not a crime nor a matter of laughter. Hence, he should not tease his classmate. Instead, he should take care of his dignity and self-respect.
(b) I would stop him/her to do that.
(c) I would advise my classmates to be friendly with one and all.
(d) I would not get involved in the joke and would proceed from their immediately
(e) I would try to convince those boys that girls are in no way less efficient than their male counterparts. I would give examples of Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams who did what many men could not think of.
