“If You Really Knew Me” How stereotypes can separate us from each other and ways we can break down the barriers.

What can you tell me about this person? Nadia Bloz-Weber, Lutheran Minister

What can you tell me about this person? Timothy McVeigh, Oklahoma City Bomber Killing 168 people and injuring over 600

What can you tell me about this person? Ivanka Trump Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at The Trump Organization Entrepreneur Net Worth $150 Million Only 33 years old

What can you tell me about this person? Daymond John Founder, President, and CEO of FUBU Net Worth $250 Million Shark Tank

What can you tell me about this person? Dennis Rader, BTK Killer killing 10 people in the Wichita, KS area

What can you tell me about this person? Desmond Tutu 1st Black Archbishop of Cape Town and Bishop of Anglican Church of South Africa South African Social Rights Activist

What can you tell me about this person? Jeffrey Dahmer, Milwaukee Cannibal American Serial Killer

What can you tell me about this person? The Rev. James Schook Catholic Priest Charged with child sex abuse Serving 15 years in prison

What can you tell me about this person? Dr. Dave, Medical Doctor from NYC

What can you tell me about this person? The Rev. Steve McCarty, Episcopal Priest St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Motorcycle Ministry in Clear Springs, Maryland

What is a Stereotype? A stereotype is a common or popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. Stereotypes are often standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions, most often untrue.

What are some examples of stereotypes? Blondes are dumb Southerners are rednecks Muslims are terrorists White people can’t dance Republicans are racist Americans are fat Men like sports Women like to shop Black people are thugs Asians are smart Hispanics are illegal Kids are lazy

Can you think of any others?

Why are there stereotypes? People are lazy. People are scared. What do you think?

Prejudice Prejudgment, an assumption made about someone or something before having adequate knowledge

Do not judge, or you too will be judged Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2

How do we challenge our stereotypes?

Here are some actions to consider to start changing your own behavior: Be mindful of your own language and try to avoid using stereotypical remarks. When you meet someone new, always wait and try to get to know them. Refuse in your own mind to jump to an opinion of them in a few seconds. Be open minded about differences – in clothing, character, beliefs, ability, accent, etc. Speak out against jokes which are made against other people or groups of people (just being silent might send the message that you agree with them).

Here are some actions to consider to start changing your own behavior: Be knowledgeable and provide accurate information to reject harmful myths and stereotypes with real facts. Take time to read about other cultures – and always be aware where that information is coming from and the bias it might have. Look at your group of friends. Are you all quite similar? You will become more open minded and able to deal with different people without prejudice, if you try to gain a wide range of different types of people and friends.

It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three candidates Candidate A: Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with an astrologist. He's  had two mistresses.   He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day. Candidate B: He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening. Candidate C: He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, only drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife. Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt. Candidate B is Winston Churchill. Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.

In the name of God, look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the controversial teachings of arrogance, divisions and hatreds which have badly infected our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; reunite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish Your purposes on earth; that, in Your good time, all nations and races may jointly serve You in justice, peace and harmony. - AMEN