Activity 10: Identity and Symbols
Make a list of the symbols that different people today wear to identify that they belong to a particular group. Use the following chart to help you organise your ideas.
| Group of people |
Symbol of identification |
| Christians |
|
| Sikhs |
|
| Muslims |
|
| Peace campaigners |
|
| Disabled drivers |
|
| English football fans |
|
| Street gang members |
In 1939, when the Nazis invaded Poland, all Jewish people living there were made to wear a Star of David attached to their clothing.
In 1940 all Jewish people living in Germany were also made to wear a yellow star.
In 1940 all Jewish people living in Germany were also made to wear a yellow star.
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How is the yellow star that the Nazis made the Jews wear different from the other symbols that you have listed?
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Was the yellow star a badge of pride or a badge of shame? Explain your answer.
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Some Jewish people today wear a Star of David around their neck like Christians might wear a cross. How is this different to the Stars of David Jewish people were forced to wear during the Nazi period?
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Who should decide on what symbols an individual should display?
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What group do you identify belonging to? Look back at the chart above for ideas of types of groups (religious and social). If the group you belong to is not listed, add it on and explain the symbol by which the group can be recognised.
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What is the difference for the individual between choosing to wear a symbol to identify with a group and being made to wear one?
