Visit the #BeatBias Resolution homepage to view all the steps released so far. 

Step 4: Real Talk - What Stereotype Do You Fit?

The past couple of days we explored stereotypes we may have, conscious or unconscious. Now some of you may be more aware of this than others, but people have stereotypes of you too. So let’s get to work.

Today’s Action Item

• Let’s label ourselves as others see us, using three words. For example, one person on the #BeatBias team would label himself as gay, white and male.
• Now, focus on the first word or label and write all the stereotypes you can think of for that label. Repeat it for the other two words. For example, our #BeatBias team member said one stereotype of “gay” might be “effeminate.”
• Lastly, look at each stereotype you associated with your labels, and think about how someone may treat you differently if their unconscious bias uses that stereotype when interacting with you. For example, our #BeatBias team member said he may not be invited by his coworkers to watch the football game because they view the sport as "masculine" and the stereotype of gay people may be that they are "effeminate."

We are guessing the many stereotypes associated with the labels you chose for yourself are not very representative of who you are. Unfair as it is, however, the unconscious bias of others may use these stereotypes to influence interactions with you. Of course, it’s also unfair when your unconscious bias influences interactions with them. So let’s keep working.

Step 5 comes tomorrow at 10am.