WHAT TO DO

Explain to students the origin of the quote “as ithers see us”. It is from the poem, To a Louse, by Robert Burns. See the Background Information for the poem and further details. Read the poem or give copies to the class to read and follow along themselves. Ask students to give their opinions of what is being said in the poem. Discuss:

• Do they like the poem? Why/why not?
• Is it funny? Why?
• It was written in 1786, is it still relevant today? Why/why not?
• What is the message that we can take from the poem?

Organise the class in groups of 3 or 4. Give each group the Student Sheet and ask them to read and discuss the extracts from the newspaper articles. Allow time for them to fill in what they think the gaps may be on the sheet. Come together again and discuss:

• Whom do they think the articles are about?
• Who is saying these things?
• Why do you think they refer to people in this way?
• Do you think it is fair? Do you think it is true?

Tell students that the first quote is from an article in the Guardian in April, 2004. The comment was made by an angry Spaniard (to a Times reporter) about the 300,000 Britons living in the Costa del Sol. The next three are from an article published in the Sydney Star (Australia, 28th December 1982) and are also about the British.

PLENARY

Discuss with students:

• Do you think that any parts of the articles are true/fair now?
• If students have changed their minds, now that they know to whom the articles are referring, discuss why this might be.
• How does the reading of these extracts relate to Burns’ poem? How we view ourselves is not always how others view us. Can students share any personal examples of when they feel they were viewed unfairly by another? How did they feel? Did they address the situation
• At the end of the poem, Burns says that it would be good thing to see ourselves as others see us. Do you agree?