diversity and overcoming stereotypes with critical thinking consider how thinking critically and embracing diversity helps us to overcome stereotypes.
The word stereotype originally referred to a method used by printers to produce duplicate pages of text. This usage still rings true. When we stereotype, we gloss over individual differences and assume that every member of a group is a “duplicate.” These assumptions are learned, and they can be changed.” (Ellis, 2015).
Our text further states, “A stereotype is an assumption that all members of a group are the same. Stereotypes ignore the differences among people.” (Ellis, 2015).
To discover how stereotypes can enter your mind, take a moment to do a short thinking experiment. List the first words that come to mind when you see or hear the following terms. Write quickly and do not stop to think about your responses.
- Musician
- Eskimo
- Homeless people
- Mathematicians
- Football players
- Computer programmers
Let’s reflect and discuss:
- Reflect on your responses. Do you see any evidence of stereotypes? Explain and discuss your results.
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- Based on your results of this exercise
- how can we use critical thinking to help embrace diversity and overcome stereotyping?
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- How might these concepts be applied here in class or to the workplace?
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References
Ellis, D. (2015). Becoming a master student (15th ed). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
