Activity 1: Dealing with difference

Living in a diverse society offers both opportunities and challenges.  While meeting different people and learning about different cultures can be interesting and fun, dealing with diversity can at times make people feel uncomfortable.  Sometimes when people are confronted by difference they can have physical and emotional responses.  Emotional responses might include fear, excitement, confusion or anger.  Physical responses might include a racing heart, sweaty palms, or tension in muscles.

In the following questionnaire you will think about your own reactions to diversity.  You will do this by considering what your level of comfort would be in a variety of hypothetical scenarios.  Each person will have different reactions; your response will be partly shaped by your cultural background.

For each scenario, consider your level of physical and emotional comfort.