Assumptions is a very delicate topic. Labeling, in any way, comes across as negative, whether intentional or not. One thing often overlooked when stating assumptions and stereotypes is how they were formed. For a stereotype to be developed, there had to be a large group of people demonstrating the characteristic, making it true. This is not to say stereotypes are accurate or describe everyone of a certain category, but they were at some time and place a real characteristic grouping. Assumptions, on the other hand, are different. Assumptions were built off of personal experience and knowledge. Assumptions are formed from hearing stories, meeting individuals, being exposed to media, all sorts of ways. That being said, we are often hesitant to discuss our assumption with fear of exposing a negative part of our life.
In class, we spoke about disability, financial, and racial assumptions. The discussion was focused on general assumption, labels we had all heard and knew were acceptable to announce. Even then, the conversation was very guarded and uncomfortable. No one wanted to hurt each others feelings, or come off as an awful person, so they stuck to general ideas. In reality, all of our assumptions would be different, because we have all lived vastly different lives. I was going to list my personal assumptions below, explaining how I gathered those assumptions through my life. In doing so, I realized how ignorant and self involved I sound. Instead, I will brainstorm ways to overcome the assumptions I have formed, in hopes of becoming a better teacher and better person.
-Put yourself in others' shoes
-Realize everyone is doing the best they can
-Learn as much as you can about those surrounding you in order to better understand their life
-Realize everyone is different and unique
-Try to see the best in everyone
-Realize life situation does not define a person
-Treat others as you would like to be treated
-Realize everyone is equal
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