From bystanders to upstanders: Creative methods for educating bystanders how to intervene in discrimination

Abstract (English)

Violence and discrimination is a common experience of individuals who are from minoritized groups of people (e.g., based on gender/gender identity/sexual orientation/race and ethnicity). This workshop has the objective of using diverse methods from film, theatre, and psychoeducation to teach bystanders how to intervene safely when they observe discrimination. The workshop is based on theories from social psychology, as well as research of the team members on bystander behaviour in diverse countries (e.g., Finland, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, United Kingdom) and contexts (e.g., sexual harassment; trans or homophobic bullying, racism).

The workshop is an interactive, hands-on experience. During the workshop, there will be exercises focusing on what discrimination is at different levels (e.g., inter-personal, institutional), how it is manifested, and how it can be recognised. Participants will also discuss, share ideas, and learn about the barriers and facilitators that bystanders may have in different contexts. There will be rehearsal of different situations using theatre techniques and the 5D's from bystander literature. In addition, we will show/discuss short films (by Cuenca studios, funded by the British Academy) developed in the context of universities in Guatemala, addressing sexual violence and the role of bystanders in intervening in it. The workshop will also include exploration of bystander identities, and how they may influence the subsequent behaviour.

The aim is to harness the workshop participants with a diverse toolkit that they can draw from when observing discrimination. The result will be an increased the ability to "read" the situations, assess the risk, and take actions that suits the situation.
The workshop in timely in the global context of violence and bystander role in intervention and driving the change of social norms.