Download Defining "ism`s"

Defining Prejudice,
Discrimination
Stereotype, Racism, and
other “isms”
Racism
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The belief that a person’s abilities, personality
and values are influenced by race, colour or
ethnic origin.
The mistaken belief that one group is superior
to another.
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
White council members decided to move the blacks of
Africville
Prejudice
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A view based on previously held ideas and not
on knowledge or experience.
An opinion about a person or group of people
formed without knowledge
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
Halifax City Council did not take the time to get to
know the culture of the people of Africville. They
assumed that the black community would want to move
Discrimination
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Treatment of a particular group, or member of
a particular group differently or unfairly.
The practice of making or showing a difference
based on prejudice.
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
People of Africville were denied the basic services of
water, sewage, sidewalks and paved streets
Stereotype
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An image that represents all members of a
group as being the same.
The view that all members of a group are the
same.
Example from Atlantic Canadian Cultural History:
All residents of Africville were on welfare
Other “isms”
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“Isms” are prejudice and stereotypes enforced
by people with more power than others, by
institutions, and by cultural attitudes and values.
Prejudice + Power = “Isms”
Other “isms”
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Sexism – Discrimination based on gender,
especially discrimination against women
Ageism – Discrimination based on age. Usually
against older people, but sometimes against
young people.
Classism - is any form of prejudice against
people who are perceived to be in a lower
social class (especially in economic status)
More “isms”
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Heterosexism – Discrimination against people
because of their sexual orientation.
Discrimination against people because they are
in love with people of the same gender.
Homophobia – Fear of people who are gay,
lesbian or bisexual because of their sexual
orientaion.
In Germany they came first for the Communists,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a Communist
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
And I didn’t speak up
Because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
And by that time
No one was left to speak up.
Martin Niemoller
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People don’t speak up sometimes because…
I have not spoken up about…
I have spoken up about…
My friends will speak up when…
We can speak up when…
It is easier to speak up when...
The “isms” hurt us all