A Class Divided: Defining Some Terms

Race: Race- a group of people distinguished by genetically transmitted physical characteristics Not just skin color!

Racism A. the prejudice that members of one race believe they are intrinsically superior to members of other races B. discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race C. the belief that race accounts for differences in human character of ability and that a particular race is superior to others

Ethnocentrism Judging another culture by the standards of your own culture. Tendency to look at the world through the perspective of one’s own culture. Why is ethnocentrism bad?

How is this picture ENTHOCENTRIC?

Ethnicity Ethnic- of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background Ethnicity: category of people set apart by distinctive customs and lifestyles What is YOUR ethnic background? What is the difference between ethnicity and race?

Minority Groups Categories of people who are physically and culturally different from the dominant group which might result in them being treated unequally Dominant does not necessarily mean the greatest number or majority of people

Prejudice: An adverse judgement or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.

Stereotype: A preconceived or oversimplified generalization about an entire group of people without regard for individual differences. Even when stereotypes are positive, they always have a negative and can lead to prejudice and discrimination.

Discrimination Unfair treatment or consideration of a group based on class or category rather than individual merit This is an intentional action!

Empathy Identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives NOT the same as sympathy Think of a time when you showed empathy to someone. Write it down.