Racism - prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized; the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.

• Provide an example of racism.

• Why is racism wrong?

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Bias -prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair; a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned.

• Is having biases common?

 

Stereotype - a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing;  a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment

• What are some stereotypes about Black people? What are some stereotypes about girls and women? What are stereotypes about people of other races?

• Should we believe and further engage stereotypes?

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Melanin - any of various black, dark brown, reddish-brown, or yellow pigments of animal or plant structures (such as skin or hair); Melanin is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms. Melanin is produced through a multistage chemical process known as melanogenesis, where the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine is followed by polymerization.

• Based on the definition above, what is skin color?

• Do you love your skin color?

• Should everyone love their own skin color? Should people hate or dislike the skin color of others?

 

Heritage - something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor; something possessed as a result of one's natural situation or birth; LEGACY, INHERITANCE, TRADITION, BIRTHRIGHT.

• Evaluate your own heritage. Are you proud of your heritage?

• What does/could heritage look like for other people?

 

Culture - the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group; the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.

• Evaluate your own culture. Are you proud of your culture?

• What does/could culture look like for other groups of people.

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• Is one culture or heritage less than or better than another?

• How can we respect the heritage and culture of others?

• How can we honor and embrace our own heritage and culture?

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Pride - a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired; consciousness of one's own dignity; confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience.

• Are you proud of your skin color, heritage, and culture? Why?

• Should other groups be proud of their own skin color, heritage, and culture? Why?

• How can racism, bias, and stereotypes affect pride in one's skin color, heritage, and culture?

• How do racism, bias, and stereotypes affect everyone's skin color, heritage, and culture?

• How can we uplift others who are not proud of who they are, what they look like, and where they come from?