Middle Ground: Who do you think I am
Middle Ground: Who do you think I am
Explore the ways you perceive people.
Try this:
- Select images and statements that seem to fit each other. Are some faces more difficult to match to the various statements?










- Compare your answers with those from friends or other people. Did you choose different statements for the same image?
What's going on?
You picked statements to fit faces—but without knowing these people personally, how did you do that?
You probably relied in part on stereotypes, which are generalized beliefs about members of social groups. Stereotypes can help us quickly interpret social situations. Stereotypes can have a kernel of truth, but when they are inaccurate, they may lead us to treat others unfairly.
Scientists have found that we all use stereotypes at times. We can challenge our existing stereotypes by getting to know people as individuals rather than simply treating them as members of groups.
Further Reading
Guy Raz (2014). Why Do We Create Stereotypes? (podcast)
The Conversation (2017). “Combatting Stereotypes: How to Talk to Your Children.” (article)