Module four, breaking down the barriers. We are each responsible for changing our stereotypes and breaking down the barriers. Are your own assumptions based on things that you have heard from others in school, TV or the movies? Is it possible that some of your negative images are incorrect, at least for some people in a certain group. Rather than making sweeping generalizations try to get to know people as individuals. Just as that will reduce the stereotypes you hold of others.

It is also likely to help reduce the stereotypes others hold of you changing your personal approach. Once you've identified and understand your baggage, what do you do to make changes Often the beliefs you hold are the result of your own cultural conditioning. They determine whether you seek rapport with individuals who are different from you. The first step is acknowledging that you're human will probably make some mistakes and likely do have some stereotypes. Next work to become more aware of your inner thoughts and feelings, and how they affect your beliefs and actions. We typically make a judgement about someone in less than 30 seconds.

To change your personal approach to diversity. Try the steps when you make contact with a new person. collect information. divide out the facts from your opinions, theories and suppositions. Make judgment based only on the facts. Periodically refine your judgments based on the facts.

Try to continue expanding your opinions of the person's potential. When you have a stereotypical thought about a group that is different from you follow it up with an alternative thought based on factual information that discounts the stereotype. Engage in honest dialogue with others about race that at times might be difficult, risky or uncomfortable, and look for media portrayals of different races that are realistic and positive. Encouraging workplace changes. diversity initiatives usually start at the top of an organization. But change can be effective from any level.

If you work in human resources, or in a functional position of authority, consider performing a cultural audit to describe the overall working environment unwritten norms, possible barriers and the existence of race, gender and class issues. Learn about the values and beliefs of others in the organization. Be alert for biases and stereotypes. identify ways to value uniqueness among your colleagues. Watch for changes in relationships. Is there hostility among co workers?

What distinguishing background characteristics do you notice? suggest and take steps to implement discussions or workshops aimed at understanding and eliminating discrimination with friends, colleagues, social clubs or religious groups? Leave copies of publications that educate about diversity insight where you friends and associates might see them and question your interest. Encouraging social changes. Below are several suggestions to encourage breaking down stereotypical barriers in social, community and other non working settings. Suggest and take steps to implement discussions or workshops aimed at understanding and eliminating discrimination with friends, colleagues, social clubs or religious groups.

Investigate the curriculum at local schools in terms of the treatment of the issue of discrimination. Also discrimination in textbooks, assemblies, faculty, staff, administration, athletic programs and directors. Available evaluate your buying habits so that you do not support shops companies. A personnel that follow discriminatory practices suggest and take steps to implement discussions or workshops aimed at understanding and eliminating discrimination with friends, social club, civic or religious groups. As you gain more awareness and knowledge about groups different than you, not only will your stereotypes lessen, but you will also become better equipped to educate and challenge others about their stereotypes. Case Study, Malik was listening to a presentation given by Gabrielle Gabrielle said when working with Hispanic clients Remember to be culturally competent.

She spoke about Hispanic beliefs about illness, ideas of spirit possession, exorcism and comfort from religious faith. Malik found himself thinking of course, Gabrielle believes she should act this way. She suspended Trisha. He blinked, remembering from the last module of diversity training on stereotypical thoughts. And by chance, Gabrielle addressed him in front of the group. What do you think about this idea?

Maalik? He Paul's remembering what he learned and said, I think all of our clients need to feel like they are seen as individuals by us. It is important for clients of any race or background to feel comfortable within our office.