Prompt: Write about a time when you realized that your perception of a person or group was based on stereotypes. How did this realization affect your behavior or beliefs? What steps did you take to change your perceptions?"

 There was a time when I thought a quiet classmate was unfriendly, but I later realized they were just shy. I had judged them based on a stereotype that quiet people don’t want to talk. When I got to know them, they were actually really nice and funny. This made me realize that I shouldn’t assume things about people without knowing them. Now, I try to keep an open mind and give everyone a chance before making a judgment.

Today in class, we got into groups and analyzed African American stereotypes in movies. We talked about how these stereotypes affect the way people see others. Some examples were common roles like the “funny sidekick” or the “criminal.” It was interesting to see how movies can shape ideas about different groups of people.

My day at school was good. I went to class, did my work, and nothing was too hard. I got to talk with my friends and had a pretty normal but nice day. Nothing special happened, but it was still a good day.