DIVERSITY TIP OF THE WEEK: Slow Down

There is a human tendency to want definitive answers and to be uncomfortable with uncertainty. It is also human to make conclusions with limited information.  And since all of us have biases of one kind or another, often in the form of stereotypes about cultural or identity groups, we need to be careful that our biases do not fuel hastily drawn conclusions.  How might that night in Florida have ended if George Zimmerman had not jumped to conclusions about Trayvon Martin?  When have we made premature conclusions, perhaps based on a stereotype that someone is unintelligent or "up to no good"? Without adequate information, have we labeled someone as racist or homophobic or clueless?  We need to find ways to challenge our knee-jerk assumptions and instead remain open to alternate views. To do that, we need to slow down the process of drawing conclusions. 

--Contributed by Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.

For more information, contact:

Jenny Denton

Office of Diversity & Inclusion

+1 301 405 6810

denton@umd.edu

www.diversity.umd.edu