Check in + Step 1: Discussing bias

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

Unit 5 Perfect to a fault

CHECK IN

What do you think?

Ex. 1

Write down three things you look for in a romantic partner. Write full sentences.

Then compare with a classmate.

--> word cloud

A romantic partner
should be ...

Which verb forms did you use to discuss your expectations?

Which verb forms did you use to discuss your expectations?

Should be, has to be, must be, ...

e.g. My partner should be smart.

Ex. 2

In general, who do you feel has the highest demands? Men or women? Why? Try to find at least one good argument for your opinion.

Who has the highest demands?

men

women

Ex. 3

Watch the video of the song ‘Lower your expectations’. What is the main idea of Bo Burnham’s song? Explain in your own words.

Ex. 3

Watch the video of the song ‘Lower your expectations’. What is the main idea of Bo Burnham’s song? Explain in your own words.

He states that maybe we expect too much from the other sex. Maybe if we lower our expectations, we will have a better chance at finding a partner. 

Ex. 4

Watch the TikTok video and write down the expectations for men and women. 

Expectations for men

• Be six foot tall.
  
• Make six figures.
  
• Have a six pack.

Expectations for women

• Be a virgin but also a freak.
  
• Pay half the bills but also do the housework.
• Meet our sexual needs.
  
• Make us food.
  
• Carry the children.
  
• Can have no stretch marks or baby weight.
• Can be older, but not look older.

Check again. Who has the highest demands?

men

women

Step 1 Boxed in?

Discussing bias

1/ Boxes

Ex. 1

You will read and answer questions about an infographic.

a But, first: what is a 'bias'?

Ex. 1

a Before you start reading, what do you think ‘bias’ is? Try to explain in your own words.

e.g. a stereotype, a fixed idea in your head, a prejudice, etc. 

b Now read the infographic. What is confirmation bias?

b Now read the infographic. What is confirmation bias?

This is our tendency to believe or choose information that confirms our existing beliefs or ideas and ignore opposing ones.

c What does ‘unconscious’ mean in this context?

c What does ‘unconscious’ mean in this context?

That you are not aware of it; you do it without realising it. 

d Name three strategies to reduce the effect of unconscious bias.

• challenge stereotypes
• notice unconscious bias in others
  
• be aware of your own unconscious bias
  
• look for alternative points of view
  
• challenge assumptions and traditions
  
• spend time with people who are different from you

d How can you fight this unconscious bias? Name 3 strategies.

Ex. 2

Watch the video and answer the questions.

a) Describe what the people in the video have to do.

b) What type of questions are being asked?

c) What can you say about people standing in the boxes?

a) Describe what the people in the video have to do.

A group of people are placed in boxes. based on wealth, job etc. Then they get asked a series of questions. If they relate to the question, they have to step forward and form a new group.

b) What type of questions are being asked?

Funny, random or deeply personal questions.

c) What can you say about the people standing in the box?

They are always different people. It is never one type of person.

3. Discuss the video with your partner.

a) How does the exercise in the video help people become aware of unconscious bias and overcome it?

b) Have you ever made an assumption about somebody based on their appearance only to figure out it wasn't true?

c) What could be the consequences of this bias against certain people?

Ex. 4

What questions do you still have 

regarding expectations and 

unconscious bias that you would like

to ask your classmates?