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10 Things I Hate about You

To use a clip from the movie, "10 Things I Hate about You

," as a springboard to discuss prejudging and racism.

OVERVIEW

 

(Download 10 Things I Hate about You discussion as a PDF)

LEADER PREPARATION

Obtain a copy of the 1999 release of "10 Things I Hate about You." Watch the first 10 minutes of the movie, paying special attention to the early scene where all the school’s social groups are being pointed out to the new kid on the block. Listen to the advice he is given on whom to avoid and what to expect from each social and racial group. Watching the entire movie provides a good look at social groups in modern high schools. Create a list of questions for the group. See "Group Discussion" for ideas.

 

GROUP PRESENTATION

Ask who has seen the movie. Explain that it is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s "Taming of the Shrew". Show the first ten minutes of the video.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION

  • How accurately does this describe high school social groups?
  • What are the groups at your high school?
  • How have you been affected by these groupings?
  • What are the most vicious examples of racism that you have heard about, read about, or experienced?
  • Where do you see pre-judging going on?
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  • Closer to home, when is it hardest for you to love others equally and not pre-judge? For example, would you have a hard time living with a crippled roommate when you go to college? A blind person? Someone with AIDS?

 

WRAP-UP

  • The video presented many opposing groups of people. Young people need to be encouraged to cross racial and social boundaries to love those in need.
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  • We should all love people we sometimes don’t even like. Reaching out in love is the most powerful way to cross social and racial boundaries.

 

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

  • Write on a notecard one specific way you can love someone from a different social, national, or economic class. Act on it this week. Get together with a partner in the group. Discuss the commitment and hold each other accountable to the action.
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  • Next week, follow up by letting them get with their partner to discuss how their experience went. Let them share with the whole group the results of the exercise.

 

IMPLICATIONS

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  • Racism is a serious problem that should be confronted head-on.

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  • Much pre-judging goes on subtly and unnoticed. Examining stereotypes is a key step in breaking down racial barriers.

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  1. Staying in comfort zones of race or class keeps people from reaching across barriers to meet real needs.

Martin Clewis cCYS

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