While reflecting on the previous lessons regarding social skills, communication, handling conflicts, and understanding biases, respond to the prompts below as you analyze your OWN biases. Many of us do not realize we have certain biases; keep in mind, having a bias does not necessarily mean someone is "bigoted" or "racist;" yet, many of us have certain prejudices based on personal experience, and/or media. The purpose of the preceeding acitvities, as well as this assignment below, is to identy our biases and/or behaviors so that we can put into practice how to treat everyone with respect, regardless of our differences.
Below are common student examples to help guide your answers. Keep in mind that these examples are in relation to racism, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, oppression, etc.; not just being mean.
Write your responses in the box below:
Name ________________________________________ Date _____________ Period ____________
Four Quadrants of Bias
“Victim”
Describe a time when you experienced for yourself, or witnessed someone being a victim of racism, prejudice, stereotyping, etc. (example: I walked into a liquor store to buy a candy bar and the cashier followed me around. I think he thought I was gonna steal something because I was wearing baggy pants and a plaid shirt.”)
"Perpetrator”
Describe a time when YOU were the one that did something that was racist, showed prejudice, stereotyped someone, etc. (example: I call my friends "g**" or "f**s,” but we are just messing around. I realized it was disrespectful and could be offensive to others once we discussed it in class.”)
“Bystander”
Describe a time when you stood by and watched racism, prejudice, stereotyping, etc.
(example: I hear people calling each other the “N-word” in the hallways and it makes me feel uncomfortable.)
"Confronter"
Describe a time when you stood up for someone, or witnessed someone standing up for someone being mistreated in one of the ways that we have discussed.
(example: There was a kid being bullied because he began dressing in “girl” clothes. I stood up and told the kids to leave him alone ‘cuz he wasn’t hurting anyone.)