Prejudice and Stereotypes Playlist

Prejudice and Stereotypes
Many people think that discussing bias, prejudice, and stereotypes is impolite or can make the problem worse. In fact, studies have shown that having conversation about these issues, even when we don’t get things exactly right, goes a long way to help us overcome such attitudes in ourselves. Below you will find scripture, videos, music, and activities to help understand and combat prejudice and stereotypes.
Start by reading the Bible Story or watching the video and going through the wondering/discussion questions. Then pick the activities your family or small group would like to do, as many or few as you like. Close your time with prayer – use your own or the one provided.

Bible Story
Read Jesus’ teaching about judgment from Matthew 7:1-4, from your favorite Bible.

Here are some definitions that may be helpful for discussion. You may also want to look these words up in a dictionary.

Prejudice: “pre-judgment” – A judgment someone makes about another person just based on their appearance or differences. Those judgments can be negative, hurtful, or untrue. The opposite of prejudice is open-mindedness.

Stereotype: A prejudice about a whole group of people. There can be stereotypes about any group of people. For example, there can be stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity, race, class, or political party.

Wonder/Discussion Questions

For children

• I wonder if someone ever judged you based on what you look like.
• I wonder if you’ve ever judged someone before you knew them.
• I wonder what Jesus would say about judging.

For Youth and Adults

• Have you ever had the experience of being judged or stereotyped? How does it feel?
• Can you think of a time you’ve judged someone else? Was the judgment helpful? Why or why not?
• Jesus uses a metaphor about a log and a splinter. What is a “log” that is blinding you?
• Name some stereotypes around gender. How do you fit or not fit those stereotypes? How do stereotypes change the way that people treat you?
• What are some stereotypes about race? Do those stereotypes change the way that people are treated
• What do you want to remember about Jesus’ teaching on judgment

Prayer

Dear God, you made us all different and unique and you love each one of us. Open our eyes so we can see one another clearly and love each other. Help us not to judge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.