RACISM

and

SEXISM

OVERVIEW
Define Racism and Sexism
Describe the Socialization Process of
Sexism
Explain the Eight Dimensions of ISMS
Strategies for Non-Racist and Non-Sexist
Leadership

INTRODUCTION
The United States Army approaches the
concept of Racism and Sexism in the same
manner; in other words - Racism and Sexism
are conceptually the same. The definitions are
interchangeable, with the exception of the
words race (color) and gender.

VOCABULARY

Glossary of Term:

Attitude: Is our tendency to evaluate some symbol, object, or aspect

of our world in a favorable or unfavorable manner; once an
evaluation has made, it becomes a belief.
Value: Represents something important in our existence; a type of
belief, centrally located in our self-concept, about how we
ought or ought not to behave.
Value System: A set of Values
Stereotype: An exaggerated belief associated with a category which
characteristically are fixed ideas and over-generalizations (may
be positive or negative) that have an adverse impact on out
behavior.
Discrimination: Acting out Prejudice

RACISM
Define Race and What is RacismExplain
what is meant by Ethnic
Race is a division of mankind which have sufficient constant
inheritable traits that is sufficient to characterize it as a distinct
human type.
Ethnic refers to or of relating to large groups or people classified
according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic,
or cultural origin or background.
Racism is any attitude, action (conscious or unconscious) of a
person or institutional structure that subordinates and subjucates a
person or group because of race.
The components of racism are prejudice and discrimination.

RACISM
Describe Two Forms of Racism. . .
Personal - Individual Racism - Refers chiefly to the
prejudicial beliefs and discriminatory behavior of
individuals toward groups of people.
Institutional Racism - Refers to the policies of
institutional communities such as schools, businesses, the
military, and other groups and organizations that restrict
the opportunities of individuals and groups which may or
may not violate the statutory laws prohibiting such policies
and conduct. These policies may or may not have been
intentionally written to practice discrimination.

SEXISM
What is Sexism. . . .
Sexism is any attitude, action, or institutional
structure which subordinates and subjucates a
person or group because of gender (sex).
The components of sexism are prejudice and
discrimination.

SEX ROLE SOCIALIZATION

What is Socialization . . .

It is an educational process by which values, goals, and roles are acquired.

What are Sex Roles

...

They are socially and culturally defined roles that individuals are expected
to fulfill.

What is Sex Role Socialization . . .

The process by which males and females learn to display behavior
considered appropriate for their sex.
Sex Role Socialization (appropriate behavior) is reinforced by
family, peers, and environment
Sex Roles become familiar. What is familiar becomes a value.

PRO-SEXIM

What is Pro-Sexism . . .

Pro-Sexist behavior is accommodating sexist behavior

by encouraging or reinforcing it, rather than questioning,
checking, or opposing it.

Examples of Pro-Sexist behavior . . .

Paternalism: Assuming a protective/superior role
Interrupting, Speaking For, Clarifying, Ignoring:
Discounting others input.
Exclusionary Language: Using gender specific work as
a universal when a neutral term exists and is appropriate.
Using First Names: Addressing women by their first
names and addressing men by their rank

THE EIGHT DEMENSIONS OF

RACISM AND SEXISM
Personal: An individual belief or action.
Institutional: Practices, policies, or behaviors of individuals
acting for organizations that discriminate.
Overt: Out in the open, easy to identify.
Covert: Unstated, unwritten, hidden practices.
Intentional: Individual or institutions actions focused on expected
outcome
Unintentional: Actions not consciously intended to be racist or
sexist, but having the same effect as intentional discrimination.
Active: Taking part in an activity that is doing or talking.
Passive: allowing actions or statements go unchallenged.
(Perpetrates the Status Quo)

STRATEGIES FOR NON-RACIST/NON-SEXIST

LEADERSHIP
Leadership sets the standard that creates an
environment for others to excel, one free of
hostility, intimidation, and unfair treatment.
Strategies for Non-Racist/Non-Sexist Leadership
Self-Analysis/Self-Awareness
Acknowledge, Understand, and Appreciate Differences
Set the Example

SUMMARY

Define Racism and Sexism

Describe the Socialization Process of Sexism
Explain the Eight Dimensions of ISMS
Strategies for Non-Racist and Non-Sexist
Leadership

SOME FINAL WORDS

Although there has been progress, racism
and racial discrimination, sexism and sex
discrimination continues to exist in our
society and in the military. We, as EORs
and MEOs should actively endeavor to
correct any discriminatory attitudes and
practices we observe and encounter. We
individually can make a difference if we
set the example and walk our talk.

QUESTIONS?