Pendulum Statements: Reference Sheet



  • If your ancestors were forced to come to Canada, and did not come by choice, take one step back.

  • If you were born in Canada, but your parents were not, take one step back.

  • If you and your parents were born in Canada step forward.

  • If you were ever called names because of your race, class, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, take one step back.

  • If your parents are professionals, doctors, lawyers, etc., take one step forward.

  • If you ever tried to change you appearance, mannerisms, or behaviour to avoid being judged or ridiculed, take one step back.

  • If you studied the culture of your ancestors in elementary school, take one step forward.

  • If you only speak a language other than French and/or English at home, take one step back.

  • If you were encouraged to read a lot growing up, take one step forward.

  • If you ever had to skip a meal or were hungry because there was not enough money to buy food when you were growing up, take one step back.

  • If you speak French and/or English at home and another language, take one step forward.

  • If your parents brought you to art galleries or plays, take one step forward.

  • If one of your parents is unemployed or has been laid off, not by choice, take one step back.

  • If you attended a private school or summer camp, take one step forward.

  • If your family has ever had to move because they could not afford the rent, take one step back.

  • If you were ever discouraged from participating in a sports or social club because of your sex/gender, age, or ethnicity, take one step back.

  • If you were ever encouraged to attend a college by your parents, take one step forward.

  • If your parents have taken you on a vacation outside of the province or country, take one step forward.

  • If one of your parents did not complete high school, take one step back.

  • If your family owned your own house, take one step forward.

  • If you saw members of your race, ethnic group, gender, or sexual orientation were portrayed on television in degrading roles, take one step back.

  • If you were ever accused of cheating or lying because of your race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, take one step back.

  • If you had to rely primarily on public transportation, take one step back.

  • If you were ever stopped or questioned by the police because of your race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, take one step back.

  • If you were ever afraid of violence because of your race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, take one step back.

  • If you were generally able to avoid places that were dangerous, take one step forward.

  • If you ever felt uncomfortable about a joke related to your race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, take one step back.

  • If your parents told you that you could be anything you wanted to be, take one step forward.