Celebrate Our Differences

Diversity Awareness for Students

Differences are what make us unique individuals.

We all have different…

Likes and dislikes Opinions, thoughts and beliefs Personal qualities Responses and feelings Family backgrounds

Our opinions are influenced by…

Other people Our own self esteem Our own experiences Popular media such as television, movies,

books, song lyrics, video games

People who dislike diversity tend to…

Target others for harassment and violence Label “different” people with stereotypes Practice prejudice and/or discriminate

against others

What is prejudice?

Webster’s dictionary defines prejudice as: “A suspicion, intolerance, or irrational hatred of

other races, creeds, religions, occupations, etc.” “A judgment or opinion held in disregard of

facts that contradict it; unreasonable bias.”

Let’s talk about prejudice.

People are not born prejudiced, they learn to be that way.

Prejudice is an opinion formed without full examination of the facts.

What about discrimination?

Discrimination is action taken on the basis of prejudice or stereotypes.

For example: Ignoring, avoiding or excluding people because

of a perceived difference. Violence or threats of violence based on a

perceived differenceThink of some historical examples of discrimination.

What is a stereotype?

A opinion about a group of people that is applied universally to a certain group, without any consideration for individuality.

Paraphrased from New Webster’s Dictionary, 1984

Stereotypes can be based on: Race, age, ethnic background, gender, weight,

hair color…and just about anything else!

WHAT CAN I DO???

Appreciate differences

Recognize stereotypes Don’t stereotype others, and point stereotyping out if

you hear or see others doing it . Instead of finding what might be different about a

person, figure out what you have in common. The only way to do that, it to TALK TO THE OTHER PERSON!

Make a point to learn about other religions and cultures.

Reach Out…

…getting to know people from different backgrounds can help broaden

your knowledge of the world!

and

while you are learning about them, they are learning about you too!

Don’t assume anything: Be careful about using stereotypes, even positive

ones, because everyone is unique. The best way to find out about another person is to

ASK.When asking questions, think about the other person’s

feelings too. Remember to Listen to what the other person has to

say.

Think about it…

Speak Out…

When you see an act of hate or disrespect, say something!Let the other person know if something they have said offends you.Silence only reinforces destructive beliefs and behaviors.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can make a change in your life and in someone else’s by listening, understanding, and acting to celebrate everyone’s differences.