Unit 3: Questioning images: representation and critical visual literacy

Activity 4: Representation matters

Estimated time: 45 minutes

Learning Objectives

  • To encourage you to reflect on the visual representation of Black people and the impact it has on their lives.

Resources needed

  • Internet access

M3_A4

Exercise 1: Sterotypes kill 

Before you start this exercise, please read How challenging stereotypes can save Black lives and consider the main points of the article, especially the connection between the negative representation of Black people and police violence.

 

Now, think how stereotypical representations in the media affect people’s lives:

Do they limit what one can be and do in life? If so, how?

Exercise 2: Protesting in different languages

This exercise focuses on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the importance of languages in its spread across the globe. Have a look at the next pictures taken at BLM demonstrations worldwide and guess what language is being used in each placard. 

Now, click on the picture that you find most thought provoking.

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Check the translation of BLM in different languages using the Multilingual Connections online resource. 

Finally, and based on the idea of multiple languages as way of advancing a cause internationally, think of a global issue you feel strongly about and device a visual strategy to convey some key messages. Images should be accompanied by text which needs to be translated in at least five different languages.

Activity completed!

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