STEREOTYPING, PREJUDICE,

DISCRIMINATION, AND RACISM

Self Examining Racism

Categorization of Race and Ethnicity

Stereotype - a generalization about a group or its members based upon their categorization

Prejudice - a negative judgment about a group or its members based upon categorization

Discrimination - a negative behavior toward a group or its members based upon their categorization

Racism - discriminatory behavior that is backed by institutional power

Overt versus Covert Racism

Overt Racism – discriminatory behavior in which those in the majority engage in open, hostile acts of aggression against racial minorities consciously and unapologetically

Covert, Intentional Racism – discriminatory behavior that is intentional but is covered up so that one can deny that one is racist

Covert, Unintentional Racism – discriminatory behavior that is unintentional but serves to perpetuate ongoing racist acts or traditions. Often practiced by individuals who would deny being racist and who would be shocked to realize that they were engaging in racist acts.

Privilege

Privilege – the unearned advantages one receives by being a member of the majority group. Majorities are always represented and often are represented favorably. Minorities are not always represented and when they are, they are often portrayed stereotypically rather than as a diverse group.

Male Privilege – the unearned advantages associated with being male, such as knowing that one’s opinions will be respected. Women often feel that their opinions are not respected or are attributed to emotion, not sound reasoning