“We slaughter one another in our words and attitudes. We slaughter one another in the stereotypes and mistrust that linger in our heads, and the words of hate we spew from our lips.” - Nelson Mandela
DAY THREE
Defining Stereotypes
 
To recognize the role race plays within our daily lives, it is necessary to begin acknowledging the stereotypes that are seen daily. These stereotypes can paint people in a light that is not reflective of their actual character. The first step in changing this is acknowledging the existence of stereotypes and the roles they play in our lives.
 
Stereotype: A standardized mental picture that is held in common about members of a group that represents an oversimplified opinion, attitude, or unexamined judgment, without regard to individual difference.
READ
What is a Stereotype (3 Minute Read)
Read this article to take a deep dive into what stereotypes are to avoid using them in the future.
 
Read this piece to learn specific strategies on avoiding stereotyping alongside general info on the practice.
LISTEN
CA Sapphire isn't only a jewel - it's also cultural shorthand for an angry Black woman. In this episode, NPR looks at where Sapphire was born, and how the stereotype continues to haunt Black women, even successful, powerful ones.
 
Stereotypes of Black Males: Misunderstood - "Wearing the Mask" (40:25)
We remove our masks to explore the dual personas many Black men project to assimilate and survive in the mainstream.
WATCH
KING 5 examines the negative stereotypes immigrants face. In Washington, one in seven people is an immigrant. Of that group, 77% are documented, nearly half are naturalized citizens, and 38% have a college diploma.
 
Bad driver. Math wizard. Model minority. In this hilarious and insightful talk, eighteen-year-old Canwen Xu shares her Asian-American story of breaking stereotypes, reaffirming stereotypes, and driving competently on her way to buy rice.
NOTICE
 
Harvard's Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures the strength of associations between concepts (i.e., Black people, gay people) and evaluations (i.e., good, bad) or stereotypes (i.e., athletic, clumsy). While most people taking the test show evidence of implicit bias, the correlation between a person's IAT score and discriminatory behavior is often small. However, many of us are more biased than we realize, and this is an important cause of injustice, so it is important to be aware of and work to overcome stereotypes and biases.
CONNECT
Who's in your feed?
Follow Racial Justice activists, educators, organizations, and movements on social media. Consider connecting with any of the people/organizations you learn about in the daily resources.
 
Check out "How to Avoid Picking Up Prejudice from the Media" to learn how your feed and the media can influence your biases and stereotypes.
PUT IT TO USE
Engage - Notice your biases and stereotypes as they arise to excavate them from your subconscious.
 
Reflect -
  • What messages did you learn about race from your family, school, or friends?
  • How might awareness of stereotypes affect your future actions and decisions?

United Way of Pierce County has made its Equity Challenge Community Page available to United Way of Thurston County Equity Challenge participants. Visit this page to download the Reflection Log, a group Facilitator's Guide and more!
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