Activity 10: Peer Pressure - Then and Now

THEN

The Nazi mass rallies had a definite military tone.  The Hitler Youth was conducted in a very military manner. 

• Considering Germany’s political situation in the 1930s, how important do you believe these shows of military strength were in influencing ordinary German people to conform?
• During the Nazi period why do you think so many people involved themselves in activities which, ordinarily, they knew were wrong? See Section 3 – Civic Responsibility/ Bystanders

NOW

• In your group, make a list of examples of anti-social or unhealthy behaviours that young people today feel pressure from their peers to involve themselves with (eg. smoking, drinking alcohol, eating disorders etc).  Talk about which of these you have felt pressured into doing. 
• Did you conform or resist?  Talk about your experiences.
• To what extent does the Media (tv, radio, newspapers etc) contribute to this peer pressure?  Think about soaps, magazines, music, fashion.
• What should young people do if they feel under pressure from their peers and/or the Media to behave in a way that they know is wrong or that they feel uncomfortable with?
• As a class project, produce a series of posters to be displayed around your school warning your fellow students of the dangers of peer pressure.