Psychology 118 discussion

Below I have listed many different discussion prompts that are "hot
topics" in relation to issues of discrimination and prejudice. Select
at least three different prompts you would like to respond to and
present for your peers in a discussion format. Be sure to demonstrate
respect, care and courtesy in your posts and responses to peers. Given
recent events that are currently in our news, many have very passionate
beliefs and feelings about the topics listed below. I listed a large
variety for students to select based on their comfort level.

* At a psychological level, what are the common denominators that link
all forms of prejudice
* Does the categorization of people always result in prejudice? What
about categorizing people in a positive way -- does that result in
prejudice?
* Are stereotypes ever a good thing? Have you ever tried to get people
to stereotype you, either positively or negatively?
* Does the very categorization of people -- for example, as female, a
college student, African-American, or Texan -- necessarily rob them of
individuality? Present stereotypes?
* Is it possible to be free of prejudice? Have you ever met anyone who
was?
* Are college students today as committed to social justice as students
were in the 1960s? Why or why not?

*

* Is it racist for athletic teams to use names such as the Indians,
Braves, and Redskins? If not, would it be okay to use team names such as
the Hispanics, Chinamen, or Blackskins?
* If it is racist for athletic teams to use names such as the Indians,
Braves, and Redskins, is it racist to watch their games?
* Do you support or oppose the idea of racial profiling (for example,
greater scrutiny of Arab passengers) in airport security?
* If profiling on the basis of race is wrong, is it also wrong to
profile on the basis of gender? For instance, is it wrong for a woman
walking alone to take greater protective measures when encountering a
male stranger than a female stranger?
* In cases of adoption, should agencies try to match the race of
children and parents, or should adoptions be carried out in a race-blind
manner?
* Do you think it's sexist to advocate different gender roles for girls
and boys?
* Why does the English language use masculine and feminine versions of
words such as blond/blonde, host/hostess, and actor/actress? Is it
sexist to use such words?
* Question for male students: What do you think the most difficult
thing is about being a woman in today's society?
* Question for female students: In your experience, what is the most
difficult thing about being a woman in today's society?
* Question for female students: What do you think the most difficult
thing is about being a man in today's society?
* Question for male students: In your experience, what is the most
difficult thing about being a man in today's society?