Stereotypes & Bias
📋 What it is
A stereotype is an unfair assumption about a whole group; bias is a hidden lean toward or against people — both can be un-learned.
🗣️ Coach says
A stereotype squishes a whole group into one assumption ("all ___ are ___"), which is never true of real, varied people. Bias is a quieter lean we may not even notice. The good news: both can be noticed and un-learned. Catching yourself ("wait, that’s a stereotype") and getting to know individuals melts them.
🧠 Memory hook
Stereotype = "all ___ are ___" (never true). Bias = a hidden lean. Both can be NOTICED and un-learned.
😂 Giggle
I asked the tactile paving why it had bumps.
It said, "I'm just trying to point people in the right direction."
😲 Whoa!
Everyone has some hidden biases — they come from what we’re exposed to, not from being a bad person; noticing them is step one.
✅ Quick check: Why are stereotypes always inaccurate?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
They squash a whole varied group into one assumption, which never fits real, individual people.
Groups are diverse, so a single blanket assumption is always wrong for many members.
🪄 Trick question: Does having a hidden bias make someone a bad person?
Careful — think it through, then reveal.
No — biases come from our surroundings; what matters is noticing and un-learning them.
Bias is common and learnable-away; awareness, not shame, is the fix.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Catch one stereotype in a show or ad and name why it’s unfair to real, varied people.