Students view examples of media being used to promote responsibility and acceptance. They view YouTube videos that inspire them to make connections with people locally and globally. They learn about an artist who leaves free art in public spaces to raise optimism in tough times. They explore stereotypes and prejudices and discuss their responsibility to promote respect for diverse points of view.

The learner will:

• identify the value in making connections to diverse people.
• describe personal responsibility for promoting the common good. 

• access to the internet (If internet is not available, the facilitator should view relevant sites online before the activities and capture or print necessary information to bring to his or her students).

Anticipatory Set:

Put the following quote on the board or on a poster: “We are good at picking out people who are different from us. Our instincts tell us they are a threat.” (Matt Harding) Discuss whether the group thinks that this is accurate. As part of the discussion, share that at one time, identifying people different from us was a survival instinct; however, nowadays we have to deliberately override this instinct in order to connect with people. Discuss the benefits and dangers of seeing differences as a threat. Ask, “How does the game we played in Lesson One support the idea that we are good at noticing differences?”

• Tell students that Matt Harding created a video of himself dancing all over the world. The video became popular on YouTube because Matt was so sincere in wanting to connect with people of other cultures. Dancing (badly), laughing, and smiling with people seemed to break many barriers. The video is called “Where the Hell Is Matt?” and can be viewed at http://www.wherethehellismatt.com Facilitator note: The title may be inappropriate for the students, but the message of the video is powerful and worth showing. Preview the video before deciding whether or not to show it.
• Tell students that Matt’s video project brings people together through something we all share—the joy of dancing. Matt believes that dancing connects diverse people and that everyone wants to feel connected. Discuss the group’s beliefs/opinions about feeling connected.
• Print or display the following article about the Smile Boston Project: http://www.gmanews.tv/print/64671 The first ten paragraphs give a clear summary of one artist’s act of spreading optimism and hope throughout the community. Bren Bataclan gives away free paintings to random people under the condition that they smile more. Discuss how Bren’s project uses art to uplift and make connections between people.
• Reflect on the meaning of making connections with others as a way to take action for the common good (philanthropy). Ask:

1. What does it mean to feel connected? Disconnected?
2. What are some positive ways to respond when we see someone who is not like us?
3. What does it mean to be a neighbor?
4. In what way is everyone in the world our neighbor?
5. Why are artistic endeavors a good way to make connections?
6. What are other examples of art that unites people and brings them Hope, Beauty, Compassion, Tolerance, Diversity, Tranquility, Unity, and/or Love?
7. How have technology, the Internet, and social networking made neighbors of us all?
8. How does connecting with others promote the common good?

Social Studies: View art online related to 9/11 (or another traumatic time or event studied in school) and discuss the emotions and messages communicated by the artists.
Note to educators: preview sites and images before showing students because some images may not be appropriate for classroom viewing. Discuss: Do some of the images show themes of coming together as a global community? Do some images show discrimination?
 

• Video Project. “Where the Hell Is Matt?” http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/ 
• Smile Boston Project: http://www.gmanews.tv/print/64671