{ This page describes the group discussion after the changes that will be possible only when there are enough participants in a wide range of ages. Please bring your friends of all ages! }
The changes
After the break for refreshments, one or two members of each group will be transferred to the other group.
In addition, at least one member of the audience will be added to each group.
The perceptions
The group members that are transferred will not be easily integrated into the other group.
To show contrast, the selected members of the audience will be easily integrated into the groups.
Here we will now see that some individuals simply do not fit some groups.
There is no way around this.
Are they guilty of something or are they simply out of context?
How shall we deal with this?
What will be our decision?
Shall we punish the individuals for not fitting the groups?
This would be a punishment for something over which they have absolutely no control whatsoever.
Can we consider the situation as a learning experience?
Are these individuals worthy of tolerance?
Should we exercise tolerance and follow with efforts to accept these people as they are?
Can we learn to accept the situation and endeavor to make the best of it by allowing ourselves to develop new knowledge and attitudes?
The new direction
As noted in "Individuals & Groups", the goals of the group can be opposed to the needs of some of the individuals that constitute it.
This happens in families. This happens in schools. This happens in armies and in prisons.
This happens in groups where membership is generally considered mandatory.
This last step in the course dramatically illustrates this situation.
How and Why do groups determine who is acceptable?
What do we normally do in situations like these?
What is the result?
What could be improved?
What can we, as individuals, understand what can we do differently to obtain a better result for everyone in the group as a whole?
The groups can now discuss with a new deeper perspective.