Words Can Hurt

Label this thinking as stereotyping. A stereotype is a simple, often mistaken generalization about a group of people. Stereotypes may be positive or negative but all are unfair and misleading, usually based on a small example that is applied to a whole group.

Share the following phrases with the learners. After each phrase is read, ask the learners to raise their hand if they think the phrase sounds like a stereotype and why (all of the phrases are stereotypes or are based on stereotypes).

• People from southern United States like fried chicken.
• He throws like a girl.
• All people from Asia are smartand good in math and science.
• People who come to the U.S. from foreign countries and don't learn English are lazy.
• People who have dark hair, dark beards and dark eyebrows are criminals.
• All baby boys wear blue.
• Boys that cry are weak.

Discuss what makes these phrases misleading and unfair. Discuss what effects stereotyping can have on the school, the community and the global community.

Have the learners suggest ways that we can avoid or eliminate stereotypes and wrongful judgments. It is important to think before making a judgment. It is okay to call people in for repeating harmful language and ideas.

For example: If someone tells a racist joke, don't laugh. Instead, say, "Please don't tell those kinds of jokes. They are destructive to people and communities." 

Remind them that Dr. King believed that all people should be "judged by the content of their character." He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their potential, not be held back by racism or misguided ideas.

Scenario: You and a friend are having a conversation about sports. Your friend makes one of the following comments:  "He throws like a girl." or "She can't play football because she's a girl." Choose one and write how you would respond. How would you let your friend know that it isn't fair to put people into groups just because they are a boy or a girl?