Words to know
stereotype
An oversimplified idea that all people in a group are the same, like "all girls..." or "all boys..."
assumption
Something you believe is true without checking.
gender roles
Ideas about what jobs, activities or behaviours are "for" boys or girls.
sexual orientation
Who a person is attracted to and may fall in love with, such as people of a different gender, the same gender, or more than one gender.
homophobia
Negative attitudes, fear or hatred toward people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual, or who are thought to be.
racism
Treating people unfairly or believing they are less worthy because of their race or ethnicity.
self-concept
How you see yourself: your idea of who you are and what you can do.
Boxes don't fit people
Have you ever heard "Boys don't cry," "Girls aren't good at hockey," or "People who use wheelchairs can't play sports"? These are stereotypes: ideas that put whole groups of people into a box. Real people don't fit in boxes. Today you'll learn how stereotypes and assumptions hurt people, and how you can help change them.
Remember from Grade 5
You learned how stereotypes can affect a person's self-concept, and you practised being an upstander to hurtful comments. This year you'll assess (judge carefully) the effects of stereotypes on self-concept, social inclusion and relationships, and you'll suggest ways to change harmful attitudes like homophobia and racism.
How stereotypes cause harm
On self-concept: If people keep hearing that their group "can't" do something, they may start to believe it, stop trying, or feel ashamed of who they are.
On social inclusion: Stereotypes are often used to leave people out: "You can't play, it's a boys' game."
On relationships: Assumptions stop people from getting to know each other. You might miss out on a great friend because of a stereotype.
On the whole community: When stereotypes are repeated and accepted, they can grow into destructive social attitudes like homophobia and racism, which lead to bullying, discrimination and people feeling unsafe.
In Ontario, the Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination in places like schools, jobs and housing, based on things like race, ethnic origin, disability, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Big idea: This lesson covers the Grade 6 expectation to assess the effects of stereotypes and assumptions regarding gender roles and expectations, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, mental health and abilities on an individual's self-concept, social inclusion and relationships with others, and propose appropriate ways of responding to and changing harmful assumptions and stereotypes that can lead to destructive social attitudes including homophobia and racism (D3.3). It builds relationship skills and respect for diversity (A1.4), identity (A1.5) and critical thinking (A1.6).
About this content: This lesson is part of Ontario's human development and sexual health expectations for Grade 6. In Ontario, parents may request that their child be exempted (opted out) of human development and sexual health instruction at school; ask your school about its process. If your family has opted out, you may skip this lesson at home too, or teach the topic in your own way and in line with your family's values. (Some school boards list this expectation with the human development and sexual health expectations; ask your school whether it is included in their exemption process.)
How to help at home:
- Notice stereotypes in shows, ads and games together and ask, "Is that true for everyone?"
- Model respectful language about all people.
- Share people from your own family or community who break stereotypes.
Common difficulties: thinking that "positive" stereotypes ("all ___ are good at math") are harmless (they still put people in boxes); not recognizing "that's so gay" as hurtful; worrying about speaking up. Children should always choose a safe way to respond, and reporting to an adult is always a good option.