Role Playing Exercise

To begin the role playing exercise, pick a conflict, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the conflict in Northern Ireland, the Crips vs. the Bloods, etc.

The facilitator then asks participants which side they would like to represent, for example, the Arabs or the Israelis (the Crips or the Bloods, etc.). Once they have picked their side, the facilitator assigns them the opposite side. For example, if they had chosen to represent the Arabs, the facilitator assigns them to represent the Israelis (or if they have chosen the Crips, assigns them the Bloods, etc.)

Next, the facilitator asks each to describe who they are, their history, culture, position, etc. Then the facilitator asks each side describe the conflict as they see it.

Finally, they are asked to say what the most optimum outcome would be from their point of view. The aim is to reach a resolution to the conflict that can be accepted by all sides. After this has been done, the exercise can be repeated with everyone switching the side they represent.