Where do stereotypes come from? Chris Messinger discussed some of the answers with students. Mr. Messinger is the executive director of Boston Mobilization, a youth-serving nonprofit that works with hundreds of teens each year. Mr. Messinger spent three years after college as a community organizer and then three years as a classroom teacher in Boston. He is the co-author of Speak Up!, an anthology of personal stories being used by independent and public schools around the country.
“We all hold conscious and unconscious stereotypes. However, there are ways to break stereotypes. It is important for schools to provide positive role models, instill high standards, and convey that diversity is valued. All of this helps support students’ sense of belonging.”