Photospeak
Key message
We live in a very visual society; with social media and television's 24-hour news cycle, often the images we see stay with us longer than something we hear or read.Using images to engage with young people on the topic of radicalisation allows them to fully understand the consequences of radicalisation and to openly discuss the image, and indirectly the topic, without the need to speak about their individual thoughts and feelings.
Key words: self-reflection, photographs of radicalisation, consequences of radicalisation
Summary
A photograph can be a very powerful group work instrument, particularly when dealing with a controversial or difficult theme as participants often find it easier to talk about photographs and images rather than their own feelings in relation to the topic. In this exercise we use powerful black and white images to stimulate feelings and to prompt discussion around the theme of radicalisation.
LessKey message
We live in a very visual society; with social media and television's 24-hour news cycle, often the images we see stay with us longer than something we hear or read.Using images to engage with young people on the topic of radicalisation allows them to fully understand the consequences of radicalisation and to openly discuss the image, and indirectly the topic, without the need to speak about their individual thoughts and feelings.
Key words: self-reflection, photographs of radicalisation, consequences of radicalisation
Summary
A photograph can be a very powerful group work instrument, particularly when dealing with a controversial or difficult theme as participants often find it easier to talk about photographs and images rather than their own feelings in relation to the topic. In this exercise we use powerful black and white images to stimulate feelings and to prompt discussion around the theme of radicalisation.
Key message
We live in a very visual society; with social media and television's 24-hour news cycle, often the images we see stay with us longer than something we hear or read.Using images to engage with young people on the topic of radicalisation allows them to fully understand the consequences of radicalisation and to openly discuss the image, and indirectly the topic, without the need to speak about their individual thoughts and feelings.
Key words: self-reflection, photographs of radicalisation, consequences of radicalisation
Summary
A photograph can be a very powerful group work instrument, particularly when dealing with a controversial or difficult theme as participants often find it easier to talk about photographs and images rather than their own feelings in relation to the topic. In this exercise we use powerful black and white images to stimulate feelings and to prompt discussion around the theme of radicalisation.
- Module
- Intervention
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Group size
- medium
- large
- Group age
- 12 - 15
- 16 - 19
- 20 - 24
Exercise Category: Activities / Exercises
CC - Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Purpose
- To use images in order to encourage participants to express their feelings in relation to the topic of radicalisation
- To use the photos as a practical communication medium to help participants visualize an issue therefore bringing it to life within the group and opening up new avenues for discussion
Participants
Suitable for use with all groups, depending on the theme or issue being covered. In this case the topic is radicalisation and therefore may be most relevant to teenagers and young adults; non-gender specific.
Description
Step 1: The facilitator will present the groups with a series of black and white photographs which should depict a variety of scenes of many different people, places and circumstances.
Step 2: These photos and images will be laid all around the floor. A number of pictures are required for the exercise to be effective and especially if you are operating a large group.
Step 3: Each person in the group is invited to pick an image that captures their interpretation of radicalisation.
Step 4: After taking some time to reflect and choose their photo the participants share their picture with their colleagues in the large group and say a little about why they chose that particular photograph, and what it represents to them. As a group you can then explore all the common themes that emerge and also discuss the contrasting opinions within the group.
Step 5: Participants are then invited to pick a second image that captures for them society’s response to the issue. Again in the large group participants are invited to share their image and give reasons for their choice. The facilitator can respond by asking if society is currently doing enough and what more could or should be done regarding this issue.
To close off the exercise participants are asked to come up with just one key word that summarised each of their two pictures.
Materials needed
Photographs/Images
Methodology
Use of imagery to prompt discussion, Individual reflection, Feedback to main group
Advice for Trainer
Prior to the session the facilitator will gather together a selection of black and white images from articles and newspapers. If possible these will be laminated to preserve them for use again with alternative groups. This series of black and white photographs should depict a variety of scenes of many different people, places and circumstances.
Source / Literature
Original material developed for the purpose of the YCARe project.