Tip Sheets
We can counteract stereotypes in a number of ways, whether they are our
own or those of others. These are called "balancing statements."
Some are listed below:
- Think about or share counter examples:
- "My co-worker speaks English with an accent, and she is one of our
most productive employees."
- Point our the positive aspects:
- "I've learned to really listen to Tomoko. Her views and experiences
are very different from mine, and I often learn from her"
- Describe beyond nationality
- "Christof is a great salesperson; he brings enthusiasm to our team,
and he's from Germany."
- Watch language patterns:
- "I know Peter is very direct and impersonal, but I'm not sure it's
helpful to say that all White people are like Peter."
- Add cultural/ethnic information
- "Hispanic" is a very broad category. Would Cubans see things
differently than Nicaraguans or Mexicans."
- Actively question the reliability of your source
- "I wonder if Jill speaks for all African Americans on this subject. I
really can't evaluate her individual experiences."
- Politely disagree
- "Hmmm, I just don't agree with you that all Native Americans are
always late. That hasn't been my experience at all."
- Question the extremes
- "Some of us enjoy Gay Pride events, and many of us don't. There's a
wide range of us."
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- Be careful not to prejudge
- "Sean is Asian, and he seems reluctant to take a leadership role, but
I'd better be careful not to judge his behavior before I learn more about
him."
- Avoid stereotypical assumptions
- "It's easy to assume that many women would not want an international
assignment, but many would, and it's important to find out who they
are."
- Challenge a possible prejudgment or false interpretation
- "Perhaps Chimbo's behavior is more a communication style different
from what you were expecting."
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