How I did it: I challenged the gut reactions that I felt
towards individuals and to social groups and made explicit to myself the
reasons for these reactions. 


So if I saw someone who sat at the back of the bus in the hoodie I might have
said to myself that I felt dislike for the individual because I was worried that
they might be an unpleasant person, who might think I was uncool or whatever.


I would then mentally defend the individual, from my judgement, by bringing up examples
of similar people in my mind who did not have the ascribed undesirable qualities. 
I might remember that my little brother likes wearing hoodies because they are

cool street gear for teenagers.  I would then think that the person at the
back of the bus might also be just as nice as my brother and unless I gave them
a chance I would not find out either way.


I think some of the stereotypes I had of people have gradually been worn down
by this thought process.

Lessons & tips: Maybe start with the social groups who you
dislike... they are all made up of individuals and hardly any will fit the
stereotype.

Nov 21, 2008, 12:59PM PST | 1 comment | 14 cheers