Transcript Defining Bias, Stereotypes, Discrimination, Racism, and other `Isms`



An idea that is taken for granted but not
necessarily proven
Non-Asians often make the assumption that
Asians are smart





An image that represents all members of a group as
being the same.
The view that all members of a group are the same
We make an assumption
Example: All teenagers are lazy
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History: All
residents of Africville were on welfare



Attitudes or behaviors based on stereotypes of
people favouring one over the other
A bias could be as simple as liking chocolate ice
cream instead of vanilla
Example: When we omit people of colour in our
history lessons, we display a bias that suggests
that their contributions are not important



A view based on previously held ideas and not on
knowledge or experience.
An opinion about a person or group of people
formed without knowledge
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
Halifax City Council did not take the time to get to
know the culture of the people of Africville. They
assumed that the black community would want to
move



Treatment of a particular group, or member of a
particular group differently or unfairly.
The practice of making or showing a difference
based on prejudice.
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
People of Africville were denied the basic services
of water, sewage, sidewalks and paved streets



The belief that a person’s abilities, personality
and values are influenced by race, colour or
ethnic origin.
The mistaken belief that one group is superior to
another.
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
White council members decided to move the blacks
of Africville


“Isms” are prejudice and stereotypes enforced by
people with more power than others, by
institutions, and by cultural attitudes and values.
Prejudice + Power = “Isms”



Sexism – Discrimination based on gender,
especially discrimination against women
Ageism – Discrimination based on age. Usually
against older people, but sometimes against
young people.
Classism - is any form of prejudice against people
who are perceived to be in a lower social class
(especially in economic status)


Heterosexism – Discrimination against people
because of their sexual orientation.
Discrimination against people because they are
in love with people of the same gender.
Homophobia – Fear of people who are gay,
lesbian or bisexual because of their sexual
orientaion.
In Germany they came first for the Communists,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a Communist
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
And by that time
No one was left to speak up.
Martin Niemoller






People don’t speak up sometimes because…
I have not spoken up about…
I have spoken up about…
My friends will speak up when…
We can speak up when…
It is easier to speak up when...