RACISM and SEXISM

OVERVIEW Define Racism and Sexism Describe the Socialization Process of Sexism Explain the Eight Dimensions of “ISM’S” Strategies for Non-Racist and Non-Sexist Leadership

INTRODUCTION The United States Army approaches the concept of Racism and Sexism in the same manner; in other words - Racism and Sexism are conceptually the same. The definitions are interchangeable, with the exception of the words “race” (color) and “gender”.

VOCABULARY Glossary of Term: Attitude: Is our tendency to evaluate some symbol, object, or aspect of our world in a favorable or unfavorable manner; once an evaluation has made, it becomes a belief. Value: Represents something important in our existence; a type of belief, centrally located in our self-concept, about how we ought or ought not to behave. Value System: A set of Values Stereotype: An exaggerated belief associated with a category which characteristically are fixed ideas and over-generalizations (may be positive or negative) that have an adverse impact on out behavior. Discrimination: Acting out Prejudice

RACISM Define Race and What is Racism…Explain what is meant by Ethnic Race is a division of mankind which have sufficient constant inheritable traits that is sufficient to characterize it as a distinct human type. Ethnic refers to or of relating to large groups or people classified according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background. Racism is any attitude, action (conscious or unconscious) of a person or institutional structure that subordinates and subjucates a person or group because of race. –The components of racism are prejudice and discrimination.

RACISM Describe Two Forms of Racism... Personal - Individual Racism - Refers chiefly to the prejudicial beliefs and discriminatory behavior of individuals toward groups of people. Institutional Racism - Refers to the policies of institutional communities such as schools, businesses, the military, and other groups and organizations that restrict the opportunities of individuals and groups which may or may not violate the statutory laws prohibiting such policies and conduct. These policies may or may not have been intentionally written to practice discrimination.

SEXISM What is Sexism.... Sexism is any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates and subjucates a person or group because of gender (sex). –The components of sexism are prejudice and discrimination.

SEX ROLE SOCIALIZATION What is Socialization... –It is an educational process by which values, goals, and roles are acquired. What are Sex Roles... –They are socially and culturally defined roles that individuals are expected to fulfill. What is Sex Role Socialization... –The process by which males and females learn to display behavior considered appropriate for their sex. Sex Role Socialization (“appropriate behavior”) is reinforced by family, peers, and environment Sex Roles become familiar. What is familiar becomes a value. –

PRO-SEXIM What is Pro-Sexism... –Pro-Sexist behavior is accommodating sexist behavior by encouraging or reinforcing it, rather than questioning, checking, or opposing it. Examples of Pro-Sexist behavior... –Paternalism: Assuming a protective/superior role –Interrupting, Speaking For, Clarifying, Ignoring: Discounting others input. –Exclusionary Language: Using gender specific work as a universal when a neutral term exists and is appropriate. –Using First Names: Addressing women by their first names and addressing men by their rank

THE EIGHT DEMENSIONS OF RACISM AND SEXISM Personal: An individual belief or action. Institutional: Practices, policies, or behaviors of individuals acting for organizations that discriminate. Overt: Out in the open, easy to identify. Covert: Unstated, unwritten, hidden practices. Intentional: Individual or institutions actions focused on expected outcome Unintentional: Actions not consciously intended to be racist or sexist, but having the same effect as intentional discrimination. Active: Taking part in an activity that is doing or talking. Passive: allowing actions or statements go unchallenged. (Perpetrates the “Status Quo”)

STRATEGIES FOR NON-RACIST/NON-SEXIST LEADERSHIP Leadership sets the standard that creates an environment for others to excel, one free of hostility, intimidation, and unfair treatment. Strategies for Non-Racist/Non-Sexist Leadership –Self-Analysis/Self-Awareness –Acknowledge, Understand, and Appreciate Differences –Set the Example

SUMMARY Define Racism and Sexism Describe the Socialization Process of Sexism Explain the Eight Dimensions of “ISM’S” Strategies for Non-Racist and Non-Sexist Leadership

SOME FINAL WORDS Although there has been progress, racism and racial discrimination, sexism and sex discrimination continues to exist in our society and in the military. We, as EOR’s and MEO’s should actively endeavor to correct any discriminatory attitudes and practices we observe and encounter. We individually can make a difference if we set the example and “walk our talk”.

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