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PRESENTER In this film we’re going to look at how to challenge someone else’s point of view in a group discussion. Noel and Harriet have read a transcript of The Role of Role Models and heard how Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson expresses his ideas on role models and diversity. His is not a view everyone shares, so let’s have a look at how it might be challenged.

NOEL Role models are very important, but I think people can take their inspiration from anyone. It doesn’t have to be someone who looks like them.

HARRIET So, are you saying that you agree with what Dr Tyson says in the transcript about role models?

PRESENTER Good question. Harriet has listened carefully and then asked a question which encourages Noel to explain his position more clearly.

NOEL Yes, I agree with Dr Tyson. I don’t think I need to see someone who looks just like me to believe I can succeed in the way that they’ve succeeded. But I can see how representation would be important to a lot of people, and that it’s something that makes a difference.

HARRIET Many people argue that we must do more to represent everyone. Representation is really important in my opinion. If young people can see others who look like them doing certain jobs or professions, it helps makes them feel that they could do those roles as well.

PRESENTER Harriet has argued against Noel’s first point here, and then she’s gone on to develop his last point by sharing a specific example that helps illustrate why this is an important issue.

NOEL I can see your point, however I think what Dr Tyson is saying is that we should look for the best people from all backgrounds and make them our role models.

PRESENTER That’s a friendly challenge. Well done, Noel.

HARRIET Dr Tyson calls his approach a “Frankenstein assembly of parts”.

PRESENTER Harriet takes a quote from the text here, but then she it leaves it there. She could have gone on to ask a question to help the discussion flow. She could have asked, ‘Why does he describes it like that, do you think, Noel?’ OK - let’s see this discussion again. This time, Noel and Harriet are thinking more carefully about the best ways to challenge a point of view.

NOEL Role models are very important, but I believe people can take their inspiration from anyone. They don’t always need to see someone who looks like them.

HARRIET So, in what ways do you agree with what Dr Tyson says in the transcript about role models?

NOEL I agree with Dr Tyson when he says you shouldn’t let the absence of someone who looks like you stop you from becoming what you’ve dreamed of. It’s not that representation isn’t important – but I just think it shouldn’t be something that limits your ambitions.

HARRIET Dr Tyson admits his view is a “contrarian” one – that is something that goes against the views most people hold. Other people might argue that you need diverse role models so everyone believes that they can achieve their dream.

NOEL Right.

HARRIET If you’d never seen anyone who looked like you on television or in the media, how easy would it really be for you to see yourself doing something like them? Don’t we all need people who seem to be like us to look up to?

PRESENTER That’s a good input here from Harriet. She’s challenged Noel’s point in an effective way. This has also helped move the discussion forward.

NOEL I can see your point, Harriet, however I think what Dr Tyson is saying is that we should look for the best people from all backgrounds and make them our role models. After all, why shouldn’t our heroes look different from us?

HARRIET He calls his approach “Frankenstein assembly of parts”. What’s the evidence for this description?

NOEL He says he’s learned from lots of different people - someone who taught him, his parents, and people who have faced all kinds of struggles. So his point is that you can find inspiration from a variety of role models.

PRESENTER That’s great. Remember, when you want to challenge another person’s point of view, you should listen carefully so you’re sure of what they mean before you challenge them. If anything isn’t clear, ask them to explain. Try to take into consideration any good points that are made, and ask people to provide evidence to support their views.