How can stereotyping and prejudice be harmful methods of approaching others who are different than us?
Do now: Imagine a world where people are either red, yellow, blue, green, purple or orange. Respond to the statements below
She acts that way because she is purple
The coach told him he couldn’t play because he is red
You know green people are only interested in making money
He’s blue so he’s a good runner
She didn’t get the job because she’s yellow
Oranges always get good grades because all they do is study
Have students read the statements out loud.
How would your reactions have been different if words describing a culture, religion or ethnicity had been used instead of colors?
When abstract words such as purple are used to describe someone, it seems silly. But people often judge others based on prejudices and stereotypes.
Prejudice: making a judgment about a person or group of people without knowing things about them as individuals. People who are prejudice often stereotype others.
Stereotyping- judging someone based on personal prejudice, limited knowledge, biased viewpoints or assumptions. Expecting people to behave in a particular way because of classification is wrong.
What are the negative consequences of prejudice and stereotyping?
People get hurt, people aren’t allowed to participate in activities, people are denied access to employment opportunities.
Two major problems that spring from prejudice and stereotyping are hate-motivated behavior and hate crimes.
Hate motivated behavior singles out a particular group. It includes verbal put downs, graffiti or posters that promote hate, intimidating music, video games and other media, websites and chat rooms that express hate.
Hate crimes include assaulting or beating people because of their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, sending threats or slurs targeting race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation via the internet or mail, burning or defacing religious buildings.
On a piece of paper, write down the following: Please keep your name and the names of others out of your examples.
How do others stereotype YOU?
Give an example where you witnessed someone being stereotyped
Give examples of where you have witnessed hate motivated behavior
Give an example of when you have stereotyped others or have been a part of hate motivated behavior
Collect papers and share student responses with the class.
Discuss the prevalence of hate-motivated behavior in our lives, as well as how we are stereotyped and stereotype others.
What does the emotion FEAR have to do with stereotyping and hate motivated behaviors and hate crimes?
Group Activity: Give each group a story to read about real hate crimes/hate motivated behaviors. Have them summarize the story to the class and share their initial reactions with the class.
For each group, ask: What group was being targeted in this example? How do you think other people of that group feel as a result of this incident?
Summary: Is there anything YOU can do to stop stereotyping and hate motivated behaviors among yourself or your peers?
Stopping hate motivated behaviors
It is important to stop prejudice, stereotyping and hate behavior so that all people can live without fear and have equal opportunities.