PSHEE: Valuing Diversity - Lesson 2

• Citizenship
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

2. Valuing Diversity

Made possible with the support
of the PSHE Association

Learning objective:

Understand how violent extremism differs from legitimate protest and

how we can respond to worrying behaviours.

What do you already know about

Protesting?

Quiz

Most people agree with extremist views?

1. True
2. False

Extremism is primarily used to refer to an ideology or actions that are considered to be far outside the mainstream attitudes of society.

Quiz

Extremism always leads to violence

1. True
2. False

Holding an extremist viewpoint does not mean a person is willing to act on that viewpoint in a way which endangers others. However, radical viewpoints can lead to a person acting out if they feel there are not legitimate ways to voice or act upon their beliefs. Also, people can try to radicalise those with such beliefs.

Quiz

Extremism includes extreme action on a range

of issues including environmental concerns

1. True
2. False

There are historical reports of eco-terrorism and some protesters have been arrested in the past for such behaviours, but there are a wide range of ways to legitimately protest. It can sometimes be very difficult to distinguish between extremism and legitimate protest. This lesson looks to explore this further.

Quiz

Once someone joins an extremist group,

they can never leave.

1. True
2. False

It can be difficult to leave an extremist group but there is support available to do so from specialists. Contacting the police or the terrorism prevention team via Childline can help a person investigate their options to leave safely

Quiz

Extremism is against the law.

1. True
2. False

Having extreme thoughts or beliefs is not a crime. Using unlawful force or threats to support a belief or ideology is a crime, as is encouraging others to act on those beliefs.

Quiz

Extremists often try to recruit people who

are having a difficult time in their lives.

1. True
2. False

Radicalisation can happen in many different ways but often recruiters are trained to target people who appear vulnerable, isolated or disillusioned in some way. This will be looked at in more detail in the next lesson.

What does 

actually mean? 

'Extremism'

holding extreme political, social or religious views.

Quiz

What is the correct definition for 'Radicalisation'?

1. a person who has become extremely good at either skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing.
2. Making a very significant change to your appearance in a very short space of time, for example, shaving your hair off over a weekend.
3. a process causing someone to support radical political, social or religious beliefs, often leading to association with terrorist organisations.
4. a method for someone to begin to change their approach to studying at school, taking their grades from a U to to 6+.

Amelia is angry about the lack of action on climate change. She has been involved in a range of protests and recently organised a 

sit-in at a local government office. She was removed from the premises by police officers and was given a police caution.

The experience convinced her that more direct action was needed so she has connected with some people who are intending to organise a series of explosions

to damage the fossil fuel industry.

Protest or extremism: Amelia’s protest involved trespass in a government building. This is a more direct form of protest which has legal consequences. The planned explosions are forms of violent extremism.

Consequences for Amelia: a police caution will remain on her police record and will be disclosed in more detailed background checks (required for jobs like teaching or nursing) for 6 years if cautioned as an adult or 2 years if under 18 when cautioned. Her intended actions regarding the explosions are very serious and even taking part in the planning of this extremism could lead to a serious conviction and punishment. This would have an impact on her future life chances.

Consequences for others: someone could be seriously injured or killed by her intended actions. The unrest and upset caused by such incidents affects the wellbeing of those in the community. The financial costs of such activities impact on all of society through legal costs (police, courts, prison etc.), repair and insurance costs (even if the companies pay the initial bill, consumers will pay these costs in the future prices charged).

Advice to a friend: Amelia’s actions could result in massive loss of life and damage so it is important she does not participate, and reports the group’s plan to police and/or a trusted adult.

Extremism or Protest?

Extremism

Protest

Delmar was born overseas and moved to the UK some years ago. He’s experienced racism before and often feels his culture is misunderstood. His classmates often wrongly assume he and his family smoke cannabis and listen to certain kinds of music all the time. They tend to copy his accent whenever they see him which Delmar finds insulting.

Recently he met someone online who seemed to understand how frustrated these stereotypes made him feel. They suggested he read some passages in a holy book. They’d prepared a video to explain the meaning of the passages for him.

Delmar’s online contact agreed to meet with him to talk more about faith and Delmar’s cultural background. They were holding a meeting in the city over the weekend and invited Delmar. They offered to help him see the ways he can open people’s eyes to the hypocrisy and intolerance in their communities. They said that sometimes getting attention means doing more than just talking.

Protest or extremism: Delmar has not taken part in either protest or extremist behaviour yet. However, he needs to be aware that this seems to be a radicalisation process which could involve him in extremism very quickly.

Consequences for Delmar: the online recruiter seems to be distorting Delmar’s thinking and using his legitimate upset over the discrimination he has experienced to radicalise Delmar. This could leave Delmar confused and angry at the very least, but could lead to him being arrested for involvement in extremist activities.

Consequences for others: the potential consequences for others are determined by the actions which Delmar’s online contact is engaged in. The amplification of Delmar’s isolation and anger are not supportive of community cohesion.

Advice to a friend: Delmar should speak to a trusted adult about the situation and his intention to meet his online contact. The friend should do the same or report it directly via an online portal or the police so that the person contacting Delmar can be investigated.

Extremism or Protest?

Extremism

Protest

Gina loves animals and started eating a vegan diet last year. She joined a local vegan group mainly because she wanted to learn more about a healthy vegan diet but has since become involved in some of their campaigning work. She regularly talks in favour of veganism at the vegan

group’s stand at a local food market and 

has written a range of blogs and emails 

aimed at local politicians and supermarkets. 

She recently attended a demonstration held 

to protest about the intention to build a new 

zoo and was filmed being very unkind about 

the sort of people who support keeping 

animals in cages. This was then anonymously 

posted online and shared with classmates.

Protest or extremism: All Gina’s actions are forms of legitimate protest. The unkind comments could constitute something more serious if they are discriminatory or incite violence, for example, but in the circumstances, this would be considered protest.

Consequences for Gina: Video footage of her involvement in the protest could have social consequences if classmates believe she is unkind to others, as well as consequences for her reputation more generally, and therefore career/education aspirations.

Consequences for others: Those insulted on the day of the protest are less likely to engage with Gina’s messages. Gina’s parents are likely to have concerns about her actions.

Advice to a friend: Gina’s friend could support her in ensuring the video footage is taken down. They could help Gina to see how valuable her contributions on the issues have been, and that these are more constructive ways to get her voice heard.

Extremism or Protest?

Extremism

Protest

Jimmy’s dad has been involved in the local branch of a political party that have a lot of members with 4 far-right viewpoints. He has been attending protests with his dad but is not particularly comfortable with some of the comments he hears. He has been asked to hand out leaflets that he thinks are offensive and there has been talk of him joining in on ‘something big’.

Protest or extremism: Jimmy’s attendance at demonstrations is a legitimate form of protest. The scenario does not discuss the content of the flyers but their distribution could be illegal if it contains hate speech. The ‘something big’ sounds as if it could be extremist in nature.

Consequences for Jimmy: Jimmy is being involved in a potentially extremist group when he does not want to be. He may end up with a police record or harming others which will have clear consequences (see above).

Consequences for others: Jimmy’s community will be affected by the protests. Far-right extremism creates community divisions and heightens the risk of violence in the area.

Advice to a friend: Jimmy needs to talk to a trusted adult about the situation. Although it may feel uncomfortable to talk about the group and his dad’s involvement, his dad is likely to get in a lot of trouble if the ‘something big’ is illegal and leads to serious consequences. Jimmy’s friend should talk to a trusted adult (e.g. a teacher) if Jimmy does not as this is a serious concern.

Extremism or Protest?

Extremism

Protest

Jamil has seen the May Day anti-capitalist protests in London and likes the idea of vandalising the banks as a way of venting his anger about economic inequalities. He has booked a ticket to London and has bought spray cans and a mask.

Protest or extremism: Jamil intends to take part in vandalism which is against the law. He does not appear to be acting truly to make a political point. There is the suggestion that this is more about a reason to engage in criminal activity.

Consequences for Jamil: Vandalism is a form of criminal damage which is against the law. Even going equipped to commit such a crime is enough for Jamil to be arrested. There will be consequences in terms of his employment options if he is cautioned or convicted of an offence related to these intended actions. Some countries refuse entry if a person is convicted of any crimes which would reduce Jamil’s travel options — for work or leisure.

Consequences for others: London businesses and workers suffer when protests become violent or result in criminal damage. This in turn impacts the national economy which Jamil claims to be protesting about.

Advice to a friend: It is important to try to stop Jamil taking part in these protests in this way. Telling a trusted adult can help to ensure help for Jamil.

Extremism or Protest?

Extremism

Protest

So how can we

of extremism?

reduce the risk

• Report social media posts we know are wrong anonymously.
  
• Tell your parents/carers if someone says something, or tries to encourage you to do something that doesn't feel right.
  
• Show respect to different groups in your community!
  
• Join a youth group or organisation that works to help you voice your opinions or enact change.
  
• Investigate more into stories, news or social media posts to ensure they are truthful
  
• Make an effort to talk to anyone if you think they are having a tough time.
  
• Report bullying if you see it, and try to encourage your friends to be more inclusive!

What can you do?

Protest or extremism: Jamil intends to take part in vandalism which is against the law. He does not appear to be acting truly to make a political point. There is the suggestion that this is more about a reason to engage in criminal activity.

Consequences for Jamil: Vandalism is a form of criminal damage which is against the law. Even going equipped to commit such a crime is enough for Jamil to be arrested. There will be consequences in terms of his employment options if he is cautioned or convicted of an offence related to these intended actions. Some countries refuse entry if a person is convicted of any crimes which would reduce Jamil’s travel options — for work or leisure.

Consequences for others: London businesses and workers suffer when protests become violent or result in criminal damage. This in turn impacts the national economy which Jamil claims to be protesting about.

Advice to a friend: It is important to try to stop Jamil taking part in these protests in this way. Telling a trusted adult can help to ensure help for Jamil.

Aardappeloproer

1917

Enkele Amsterdamse vrouwen zagen dat er een schip vol aardappelen in een van de grachten lag. Ze gingen erop af en plunderden het schip: hun schorten vol aardappelen. De dag erna waren er meer plunderaars. Pas nadat zes mensen door het leger werden doodgeschoten, keerde de rust terug