Activity 14: Language Awareness

Objectives: The purpose of this activity is to bring awareness to many commonly used words and phrases found in everyday communication that exhibit stereotype and consequently micro-aggressive attitude toward certain groups or/and individuals.

Many of us use the certain phrases without fully understanding the meaning behind them (or their history). So this activity is intended to educate about these phrases and why they can be harmful to the targeted group. People who are aware of these biases may use inclusive and compassionate words in their everyday language.

Duration: 90 minutes 

Group size: The activity works for all size of groups. For groups larger than 20 participants break it into smaller groups.

Material: paper, flip chart, pens, markers

Method: Identification, Analysis, recognition, discussion, application

Resources: Adapted from Mary Kite, Professor of Social psychology at Ball State University; and Bernard €. Whilley, Jr.

Target groups: Initiators