Developing Inclusive Peer Education Efforts

Reflection Paper Module 6: Developing Inclusive Peer Education Efforts

Reflection Activities

1. On page 36 of your workbook – complete the Social identity Wheel for yourself. Define yourself using the D9+s – make sure to spend some time and write out this info – remember you are in the middle and all these together make up your social identity. Then answer the following questions:
   1. What assumptions do people make about you that are contradictory to the truth? Or where they may judge you related to your social identities?
   2. Which of your identities have influence on other ones (for example sexual orientation and religious affiliation might – age and ability, etc.)?
   3. How can you educate your peers and others about the identities you hold and how they make you the person you are?
   4. How can this information be used for peer education efforts, such as diversity in membership or activities? Or how can this help you during your field experience or within a job setting to understand your own social identities? How does it help you understand others?

2. Choosing Words Carefully Worksheet.

Read each of the statements below. Write down or discuss with others why these statements might be offensive. Do they reinforce a stereotype, treat people in non-parallel ways (indicating that one type of person has more power/privilege or prestige than another), or assume that certain groups must behave in certain ways? In some cases, the words equate a person or group of people to a trait. Rewrite each statement so that it treats people in parallel ways, does not reinforce stereotypes, and does not equate groups of people to a trait.

• The men’s competition starts at 7:00 pm, and the ladies’ begins at 9:00 pm.
• Lisa’s campaign is gaining steam. Smith (last name) is considering withdrawing from the race.
• Despite being in a wheelchair, Rafael is quite successful.
• Over 100 people attended with their girlfriend.
• The jocks use the room on Tuesdays.
• We need more manpower.
• I see she forgot to turn in her paper. She is acting a little blonde today.
• The socks are flesh colored.

3. Implicit Bias:
4. What is implicit bias?http://kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/research/understanding-implicit-bias/how does it affect your life, or is seen in your life?
5. Check out http://www.lookdifferent.org/can-you-see-the-bias — choose one of the boxes under “Can you see the Bias” –and read about the type of bias shown. Have you ever noticed this type of bias before? Have you ever misperceived others unintentionally – unconsciously maybe and noticed later or wondered later about it? Do you feel you have been misperceived?
6. http://www.lookdifferent.org/when-is-bias-a-problem — explore this area, and look at one of the bias areas — (gender, race or sexual orientation). Take the quiz. What did you find out from taking the quiz? Why is it good to realize our implicit biases? Read about how to use privilege for good – what did you learn?
7. Sign up for the Bias Cleanse created by MTV. http://www.lookdifferent.org/what-can-i-do/bias-cleanseYou will have to login and wait for an email. Mine didn’t come very fast – so if it doesn’t come you can answer last question without it.
8. How do you take this knowledge and information on implicit bias and incorporate it into your life? How about as a peer educator or public health student and later professional? How can we change implicit biases in friends, peers, your community, and ourselves?