The Daily Bulletin Archive

A key issue in discussing diversity and reducing bias is increasing understanding and empathy. However, a common reaction to these discussions is to engage in distancing and/or "othering" to view people from other groups (e.g., culture, race, gender, sexual orientation) as qualitatively different “thems.” This perspective can increase perceptions of group differences, decrease perspective-taking and understanding, and foster an “us v. them” mentality. Please join us for a discussion about how, when, and why distancing and othering may occur during discussions of diversity, and share strategies for overcoming this challenge. A light lunch will be served on Friday, April 29, 12:00–1:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center (BUTL 181B). This event is part of the Final Fridays: Discussions about Gender and Sexuality in Teaching, Research, and Service Brownbag Series co-sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program and the Faculty Development Office.