When we consider stereotypes and prejudice, it often comes down to making negative assumptions about each other - the presumption that a person has limitations or differences based on the perceived characteristics of belonging to a particular group - whether it be based on one's gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality, abilities, spirituality, age, etc.

Some of us have been more impacted by these kinds of biases than others. It is important to consider how these day-to-day experiences impact us both individually and collectively as a society. It is always important that we give these topics careful consideration, but in light of our current societal and national conversations, it is very relevant to address.

As you are comfortable, please share an experience where you (or someone that you know, if you prefer), encountered prejudicial or biased behavior and the impact that it had upon you. What would you have hoped that the other person/people involved would have understood or recognized about their behavior and its impact?

I think that as a class, you have already created a culture of respect and support for each other, and I would ask that you be particularly mindful of that as you respond to each other given the topic matter