B. Identifying Stereotypes Assignment

The next task students are asked to complete is to identify specific stereotypes that might lead to a biased reaction or action. At this stage, we want students to select a particular racial group and identify as many stereotypes about the group--good and bad--as they can. For each stereotype, they are to explain why it is problematic in the administration of justice. This exercise tends to make some students very uncomfortable. Many do not want to acknowledge the existence of stereotypes or admit to their own knowledge about them. However, recognizing the stimulus that can prime an implicit bias is central to eliminating those biases, and stereotypes are a primary source of this priming. We present as an example to students the following:

Stereotype: Black people are less compliant with medical treatment.

Impact: Judges might be more likely to force treatment on black defendants than non-black defendants.

In addition to allowing us to discuss the manner in which stereotypes can prime implicit bias, this assignment also allows us to discuss the pernicious nature of ostensibly “positive” stereotypes.