Suggested Questions:
Race
- What racial groups do you have in your country? Do they get along?
- Have you seen racism here on campus? How did you feel? How did you respond?
- What is a “stereotype”? What are some stereotypes in your country? (Discuss American stereotypes as well)
- What do you see (related to race or gender) that makes you feel comfortable? What do you see that makes you feel uncomfortable?
Gender
- Are men and women equal in your country? How are their roles different?
- Do you think American men and women are equal? Why or why not?
- What are the expectations of your family (or culture) as a man/woman?
- Do you consider yourself a typical man/woman? Why or why not?
Additional Resources:
Suggestions for some articles that could be used for discussion.
- Article about Marissa Mayer (CEO of Yahoo!) that discusses balancing family and work roles:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bonnie-fuller/marissa-mayer-office-nursery_b_2769296.html
- “Rwanda: World’s First Women-Led Country”:
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/0809/080918-gender_equality.html
- Dispelling Stereotypes (About Saudi Students)
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dispelling+stereotypes.-a0189236354
- Men vs. Women: Who are the better drivers?
Vocabulary List: Race & Gender
It’s important to learn the subtle differences between different terminology for racial and ethnic groups. For example, the use of “a” and “the” is important. For example, there’s a big difference between says “a Jew” or “the Jews” and “Jewish people.” Historically, certain terminology has been associated with oppression and discrimination and shouldn’t be used. “Communities” is a commonly used phrase to encompass a group of people–such as the African American community or Arab communities.
| Word | Meaning | Context |
| First Impressions | ||
| Racism; racist | When someone discriminates, or treats someone differently, based on color of skin or ethnicity | Racist comment
Anti-racism Racial slur |
| Discrimination | Discrimination is more general than racism—it includes treating someone differently for age, gender, language, religion, or country of origin | Most U.S. employers and universities have an anti-discrimination policy. |
| Stereotype | A stereotype is when we assume that something must be true about everyone from a particular group | There is a stereotype that men are better drivers than women, but that is not true. Each gender is better at certain aspects of driving. |
| Acceptable terms to use for different racial and ethnic groups | Uses | Contexts |
| An African American
Black (as an adjective, such as “a black doctor”) African Plural: African Americans Black people Africans |
“African American” refers to someone who is of African heritage, but was born and raised in the U.S. It is not the same as African. “Black” can refer to African or African American. | African Culture
Africana Studies Black culture
|
| Arab (as an adjective, such as “the Arab teacher”)
Arabs |
“Arab” usually refers to origin, and “Arabic” refers to the language. “Arab,” however, is a very vague term and it’s genearlly better to specify where the person is from–Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, Lebanese, etc. | The Arab World
|
| An Asian
Asians Asian-American Southeast Asian (Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh,etc.) |
These are the most polite terms. You may also see “Oriental,” as in “Oriental Supermarket.” | Asian culture
Eastern culture |
| Hispanic
Latino/Latina a Spaniard (someone from Spain) |
Hispanic is the most polite term. A common confusion is “Spanish” and “Hispanic.” “Spanish” is a language. It also refers to people from Spain. Hispanics speak Spanish, but they are not all Spanish. | Latin America
Hispanics Spaniards |
| Indian (as an adjective, such as “Indian food” or “an Indian student”)
Indians |
“Indian” generally refers to someone from India, but sometimes means Native American. It is much more polite to call indigenous peoples “Native Americans.” Indian can usually be specified into a specific region of India, such as a person who is Bengali or Punjabi.
“Native American” refers to someone from the native tribes of North America. |
Native American Tribes
Native American Ancestors Indian reservation American Indians |
| Multiracial
Mixed race Interracial |
Someone who has parents or family members of different races or heritages | Multiracial families are fairly common in the U.S. It is usually impolite to ask someone “what are you?” or “what races are you?” |
| White (as an adjective, such as “a white patient”)
White people Caucasians |
Caucasian is usually only used in more formal situations, such as filling out a form. | White privilege is the concept that white people have societal privileges that non-whites don’t have, such as being able to move, speak, and act more freely.
|
| Religious Groups:
A Jewish person or Jewish people A Christian or Christians A Muslim or Muslims A Buddhist or Buddhists A Hindu or Hindus An atheist or atheists |
Remember to include the article “a” or “an” if you are referring to a single person of a religious group | |
| A woman; women
A girl; girls A lady; ladies Ma’am Miss |
“Girls” is used to talk about someone who is fairly young, either a child or someone in their teens or early twenties. Woman is usually a more polite term. Lady can be used in many contexts, usually if it is someone you don’t know, but it is not polite in professional or academic situations.
Ma’am and Miss are typically used when talking to strangers. For example, “excuse me, miss, can I help you?”
|
I ran into a lady who used to live in my neighborhood.
They have three little girls (three small children). She inspires other women to pursue their dreams. |
| A man; men
A guy; guys A dude; dudes Man (no article) Sir |
“A guy” is less formal than “a man.” Guys or “you guys” can be used to talk about a group of men and/or women, but in singular form, always refers to a man. “Dude” or “man” is the least formal and should not be used except with friends.
“Sir” is typically used when talking to strangers. For example, “excuse me, sir, can I help you?” |
He is a tall Indian man.
Are you guys coming to my party? Hey dude, what are you doing tonight? Hey man, what are you doing tonight? |
| Transgender(ed) | A person who identifies with a gender different from the one he or she was born with | A variety of other terms are also used to talk about someone’s gender identity, including intersex, bigendered, and non-gender-conforming. |
| Homosexual
Gay Queer (example: queer theory) Lesbian Bisexual (Bi) |
These names are appropriate to use in English. Gay can refer to both males and females, while lesbians usually refer to females. Usually, when talking about homosexuals in general, we say “the gay community.” | Are you going to the Gay Pride Parade tomorrow?
There is a neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia called the “Gayborhood.” There is a growing gay community in this area. |
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