Stereotypes All images are from Google Images unless otherwise noted

WHY DO WE LABEL? * ARE LABELS GOOD OR BAD? Do some groups have more power than others? Are there people who can be in more than one group? When can labels be hurtful? *TO KNOW WHERE WE FIT IN, TO ORGANIZE AND MAKE SENSE OF THINGS

Stereotypes: are generalizations used to define a group of people based only on appearance, words, or actions of one or just a few members of that group. Be careful with comments - especially about a person’s ethnicity, skin color, religion "You're tall-you must play_____" "You're so and so's bro or sis, you must be_____"

We have ALL made assumptions about people based on the way they look. (If you haven’t, you are lying!) We ALL do that! It is part of our defense mechanism, and is a natural instinct. We judge people to make sure that other people are not a threat to us. We notice the way people dress, their hair styles, skin color, jewelry they wear, the group or clique they hang out with, and we “size” them up. We make a decision about what a person is like and whether this is a person we want to friend, or someone to fear or avoid.

Discuss with your group members: 1. What are some other common stereotypes you can think of? (think cliques if you are stuck!) Be ready to share!

Finish the statements below with the first words that come to mind. This is just an exercise to prove stereotypes are out there, even if we don’t believe them: “Stereotypes Quiz” 1 - 6

1. COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS ARE____________:

2. Jocks are_________________

3. Fashion models act______________

4. Old people always drive____________

5. Skater’s grades in school are __________

6. All teenagers are____________

1. COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS ARE: NERDS

2. Jocks are: dumb

3. Fashion models act: snotty

4.Old people always drive: slow

5. Skaters’ grades in school are: bad

6. All teenagers are: irresponsible

WE BOX PEOPLE IN AND DON’T GET TO KNOW THEM FOR WHO THEY REALLY ARE. AND, THEY CAN BE VERY HURTFUL. STEREOTYPES LOWER OUR EMPATHY This is often the progression: we label - stereotype - make fun of person - mean - think we’re better than them - bully/harass – prejudice – discrimination -anger - hate - VIOLENCE/ ASSAULT We need to have empathy! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH STEREOTYPES?

Discrimination is prejudice in action. Individual acts of discrimination can range all the way from avoiding people to verbal abuse, to hate crimes. Prejudice can contribute to conflicts between groups and can be a motivating factor in many acts of violence/assault.

 Age based on how old/ young a person is  Physical/Mental based on a person’s looks, abilities, or disabilities  Socio-Economic based on family background, money, neighborhood, job, education, etc.  Religious based on a person’s beliefs about a higher power  Ethnic/Racial based race, skin color, country of birth, or language  Gender based on whether a person is male or female  Other based on membership in any group other than the types listed above There are many different types of prejudice and discrimination…

Today we are going to discuss GENDER STEREOTYPES

Definitions:  Gender: the range of characteristics associated with men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them by society (what’s in between the ears)  Sex: The identification of the biological/physical gender most often categorized as male/female (what’s in between the legs)

What does it mean to…“Act like a lady?” Expectations We like to put people in boxes.. Ways people may treat women who do not fit in the box: Names women are called when they do not fit in the “box” Behaviors women may do to cope This is often the progression: we label - stereotype - make fun of person - mean - think we’re better than them - bully/harass – prejudice – discrimination -anger - hate - VIOLENCE/ASSAULT Today you may use language not usually accepted in class…

We assume women are weak…“Like a girl” 3 minutes

Role reversal in the media… It’s RIDICULOUS when you think about it! 1 ½ minutes

 Female Gender Stereotypes are promoted by/through…  When women are put into boxes it can have the following effects…  To reduce my contribution to Female Gender Stereotyping I can… Reflect…

What does it mean to… “Be a Man” Expectations We like to put people in boxes.. Ways people may treat men who do not fit in the box: Names men are called when they do not fit in the “box” Behaviors men may do to cope This is often the progression: we label - stereotype - make fun of person - mean - think we’re better than them - bully/harass – prejudice – discrimination -anger - hate - VIOLENCE/ASSAULT Today you may use language not usually accepted in class…

We assume men are stupid… 4 minutes

 Male Gender Stereotypes are promoted by/through…  When men are put into boxes it can have the following effects…  To reduce my contribution to Male Gender Stereotyping I can… Reflect…

“She’s the Man” 5 minutes

Since you’ve been little- you’ve been taught to think like this!

Today’s world is getting better…

Long hair- dresses- big eyes-smiling-nurturing- singing- cooking-cleaning- delicate- damsel in distress- beautiful How would you describe these princesses?

Tough- strong- saviors- chiseled- muscular- prince charming- fighting- rugged- handsome How would you describe these princes?

What can you do to help stop stereotyping? You are standing with some friends, and one of them makes a negative comment about the way another student is dressed. What could you say or do?

One of the WORST things you could do is laugh or encourage the situation. You can help by being aware of the situation, making ASSERTIVE (not aggressive) comments, and talking openly about issues. You have to be aware of situations involving prejudice and discrimination so you can react in positive, helpful ways.

Sources  Youtube  Google images  15/08/13/target-will-stop-selling-toys-for-boys-or-for- girls-good/ 15/08/13/target-will-stop-selling-toys-for-boys-or-for- girls-good/  Best Health Curriculum, 2012  Too Good for Drugs and Violence Curriculum  Rochester Gay Alliance, Rochester NY