Table of Contents

OEOP Home Page
Policy Items
OEOP Programs
EEO Updates
Tip Sheets
Related Links
Calendar of Events
 
Hot News!
      Go to NSF Home Page
NSF LogoOEO TitleOEOP Logo

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."

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."

nsf.gov
| About NSF | Funding | Publications | News & Media | Search | Site Map | Help
NSF Celebrating 50 Years The National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, USA
Tel: 703-292-5111, FIRS: 800-877-8339 | TDD: 800-281-8749
Policies
Contact NSF
Customize

Mar 25, '02