Power and Representation: Stereotyping

Overview

Racism is about power. When the dominant society controls how Indigenous peoples are perceived, stereotypes are created and perpetuated.

Stereotypes are not only harmful in their own right; they do damage by fostering prejudice and discrimination.

In this interactive multimedia experience you will become aware of the insidious ways in which stereotypes are reproduced and how they perpetuate structural inequality.

Learning Module

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Realize the relationship between power and representation.
  • Recognize stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous people and their dehumanizing effects.
  • Identify Indigenous peoples’ stereotyping in a range of sources.
  • Recognize cultural appropriation and understand its dangers.
  • Identify possible sources of stereotypes and consider ways to overcome them.
  • Critically assess resources for stereotypes and biases.

Module Topics

In this module you will explore the following topics:

  1. Power and representation: Setting the tone about stereotyping
  2. Stereotyping: Definitions
  3. Common stereotypes
  4. There is no such a thing as ‘positive’ stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples
  5. But, where do stereotypes about Indigenous peoples come from?
  6. How popular culture perpetuates stereotypes?
     

Module

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