LABELS & STEREOTYPING- HOW THEY CAN IMPACT PERCEPTION Perception Unit

Labeling  To identify, designate, describe or classify people  Theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them Examples:  Prep  Goth  Nerd  Jock

Stereotyping  a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing  a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group Examples:  All women are bad drivers.  All Irish people are drunks who eat potatoes.  All blondes are dumb.

People use verbal & nonverbal behaviors to achieve specific communication goals regarding others. Labels, Stereotypes & Perception… tying it all together

To Exclude  An attempt to keep someone out of the way or out of a group Examples:  Secret handshakes or passwords  Phrases: “Only kids who grew up in New York would really understand this…”

To Include  An attempt to make someone feel a part of a group Examples:  A team voting on uniforms for all players.

To Put Down  Saying/Doing things to others that make them feel lower or less in some way  May make fun of someone or use sarcasm which can lower his self concept Examples:  “This is John, our Olympic 10-minute miler.”  “Wow, Einstein- you figured out that simple algebra problem!”

To Build Up  Saying/Doing things to others that make them feel stronger or sure of themselves  A sincere compliment or giving credit when it is deserved Examples:  “If you keep shooting like that you will definitely make varsity!”  “If it weren’t for your leadership on the committee we would have never been able to offer so many scholarships!”

To Reveal Self  Share information about yourself with others including: interests, hobbies, culture, family, feelings Example: “Hi, how are you?” Which RESPONSE reveals self?  “Fine, how are you?”  “Really upset. My sister ran away from home, my brother was in a car accident, and I’m thinking about dropping out of school. “

To Conceal Self  Keeping information to yourself– NOT sharing information about your interests, hobbies, culture, family, feelings Example: “Hi, how are you?” Which RESPONSE conceals self?  “Fine, how are you?”  “Really upset. My sister ran away from home, my brother was in a car accident, and I’m thinking about dropping out of school.”