Shifting Stereotypes

Sesame Street Shifts Stereotypes 

Celebrating 50 years, Sesame Street is a champion in stamping out stereotypes and dealing with diversity through its many muppet characters who depict the wide range of people of our world. What’s not to love in our most favorite? 

It has been with intention that Sesame Street producers creatively introduced to its worldwide audiences the array of similarities and differences which we have with one another. Take for example some of these characters we meet: Rosita, the bilingual muppet who teaches Latin American culture and language; Kami who brings awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa; Mahboub, an Arab-Israeli muppet who speaks both Arabic and Hebrew; Tarah, a nine-year old girl who performs wheelchair ballet; Lily who faces food insecurity; and Julia who encourages us to be more sensitive and empathetic to those with autism. Presenting these characters and many others as members of our every day communities has made a difference in influencing the young and old to reduce prejudices. 

There are a flurry of “anti-bias” and diversity trainings happening in the work force in many fields from schools to corporations. Despite the great value in bringing awareness through trainings, it is through getting to know others who are different from ourselves whereby we can dissolve the stereotypes we have. Researcher and author, Jennifer Eberhard, writes in her recently published book, Biased, “We know that close relationships with people unlike ourselves - at school, at work, at church, in neighborhoods - can help mute the impact of prejudice and blur group boundaries.” (I highly recommend this book!)

And yes, we all have biases. From a very youthful age, as young as 6 months, babies are aware of skin color. Studies show that the “color blind” message, that is, if you don’t think about race, you won’t be biased… has backfired, hindering our progress towards greater equality. Our approach to others of a different skin color or any other “difference” for that matter, can bear a positive influence for future generations. Let’s be the agents of change to honor one another just like Sesame Street’s characters do. 

For fun, chime in to share your favorite clip from Sesame Street in honor of their 50th Anniversary.

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https://www.history.com/news/8-stereotype-shattering-sesame-street-characters

An Appreciation for Clashes

Nature’s Paintbrush

Do colors clash? Not if we look in nature! However, we can expect that personalities may clash. We can transform this friction with some effective alternatives. 

First, do know, when dealing with people, it’s to be expected that we get along more easily with some rather than others. Challenging encounters need greater thoughtfulness to reduce the tension. Eventually with implementing considerate approaches, clashes lessen. 

Consider why personality conflicts arise. Our expectations, differences of opinions, values, or some other underlying issue is usually at the root. These are based in our own experiences which are unlike anyone else’s. Getting to know a person better, helps us to understand varying viewpoints. Sometimes, it can provide a perspective which helps us appreciate the person, maybe even changing our opinion of them. Or, we can agree to disagree.

Our negative thoughts only cultivate negative actions and they are usually draining. Expect the best of others, as you hope others expect the best of you. Holding a grudge only exacerbates problems. Learning to accept the person as they are, is challenging; however, it will enhance your relationship.

We can’t control all situations or people, however, we can choose how to respond to them. Being respectful in all situations, despite an internal struggle we may be experiencing, reflects our positive traits, integrity, and character.

It has only been in reflecting on personality clashes which I have experienced and making conscious changes in my approach that has enriched my relationships and enhanced my interactions. Just like nature’s “color clashes”, I’ve learned to appreciate personality clashes. 

As Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Love those who hate you.”

To learn more about bias awareness and effective communication send an email: pathways2tlc@gmail.com.

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