www.transnationals.eu

 A method to deal with tradition, (national ) values and the unknown other

Intro:

In the educational environments, diversity and plurality are widespread issues. People there are believed to be open, to accept other visions and to deal with controversial  ideas and opinions. In the real live, we see that this image of reality is not always as people behave when it comes to close to themselves.  By working with this method, people have to give something precious (a beloved book) to an unknown person who will do something with it … It shows that different inputs can lead to unexpected new creations, once we let go the strictly personal emotions we attached on a materialistic icon (book).

Short :

Invite everyone to bring a precious book to the meeting, to give away to somebody they don’t know. Let them tell about the books and the importance of it for themselves or for society. Invite others to ‘do’ something with the book and ask them to present the result to the original owner of the book … and see what happens.

Material :

Books, time, …

How it goes :

1.       Invite everyone to bring a precious book to the meeting, to give away to somebody they don’t know.

2.       Let them tell about the books and the importance of it for themselves or for society : ask questions, stimulate the debate … : Why this book?  What does it mean to them? What if it got lost? …

3.       Invite others (from another group, but in the same ‘project’ )  to ‘do’ something with the book.

4.       Allow enough time to think about it and to work with / on the book. Everything is possible: the book can be burnt, painted, translated, illustrated, photographed, … It’s up to the new owner to associate on the book, on what is told over it, …. and to work with it.

5.       Build an exhibition were all these books can be showed and were everyone can react on the new creations; the new owner has to present the result to the original owner of the book … This can be a real shock for the original owner, but also a fine new experience.

6.       Organize a debate on this and be aware of personal feelings; relate it to the theme “transnational” – and the idea that thesis + anti-these can lead to a 3^rd way that is interesting for all …