One in 10 students say that someone at school has called them a derogatory word related to race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation in the past six months.

Speak Up
TeachingTolerance.org


Unfortunately, stereotypes are not going away...

It seems like every week there is another example in the news of prejudice and stereotypical language - from Don Imus to Isiah Washington, Mel Gibson.... about Mexicans, African-Americans, gays, Christians, Jews, and on and on....

We read about it in the paper, but much more of this subtle discrimination plays out in real time, in emails, office communications, and everyday conversation.

Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged.

Harvey Fierstein


For many people, this reflects a conditioning they are unaware of. But this doesn't mean it's acceptable, especially in today's workplace. Stereotypes show up in jokes, stories, assignments, messages, work instructions, even official corporate communications. Language that is offensive and demeaning. Most people don't know what to say or do when they hear these sometimes subtle slurs. Quite often their concern is to not embarass the other person or, as some say, to "not make a big deal out of it."

But these words and comments hurt. The net result is a tear in the fabric of the team and corporate culture. So, how do you speak up? And what's the benefit of taking that risk to say something?

The simple act of naming a bias as such or objecting to it on the spot establishes a social atmosphere that discourages it: saying nothing serves to condone it.

Daniel Goleman
Emotional Intelligence



Even something as seemingly simple as placing an order at a fast food restaurant can show subtle stereotyping: a recent NYT article described strong consumer interest in placing orders online - one consultant saw this as an interesting commentary on class, as it shows how reluctant people are to speak with fast food workers — often teenagers and immigrants with accents. Toll-free order centers, often in foreign lands, are also a place of more blatant stereotyping.



Why is OUCH! important?

Staying silent in the face of demeaning comments, stereotypes or bias allows these attitudes and behaviors to thrive. This undermines our ability to create an inclusive workplace where all employees are welcomed, treated with respect and able to do their best work. Yet, most employees and leaders who want to speak up don't know how. So, we say nothing.

The workplace is not a kinder or gentler place - at least when it comes to continued use of racial, ethnic, ageist and other slurs directed at co-workers. According to a 2005 survey by Boston-based Novations Group, sexual remarks, ethnic and racial slurs are the most frequent types of ridicule heard at work. In 2005, 35% of employees surveyed reported overhearing sexual remarks while 29% of employees reported overhearing ethnic and racial slurs. Sexual orientation ridicule was reported by 24%, age-related ridicule by 22%, and disability-related slurs by 9%.

Kathy Gurchiek, SHRM
Disturbing Consistency in
Prevalence of Office Slurs

What does it mean to communicate respectfully?

The workplace is wonderfully diverse. Many people bring their personal conditioning into the workplace and need help learning how to communicate in a respectful way.

Jokes are the most common place for stereotypes - it's an "easy" laugh. But as OUCH author, Leslie Aguilar writes, we often rationalize biased or prejudiced remarks by claiming them as jokes. "One of the most common ways stereotypes are perpetuated is through so-called 'humor.' By saying 'it's just a joke' people can make a bigoted statement and at the same time say 'I'm not prejudiced, I'm just being funny,'" said Aguilar.

Aguilar reminds us that humor is an extremely important communication tool as it helps us to relax, release stress, and enjoy life and work. Humor that comes across as racist or perpetuates a stereotype, however, is offensive and can make people uncomfortable. OUCH can help you educate your associates.

Leslie Aguilar, the author of the OUCH! book and the video program is available for custom workshops. Leslie is an international speaker, trainer and facilitator. She is the author of two books and three innovative diversity assessment and learning instruments. Email info at ouch-video.com for more information about Leslie's training offerings and how to book her.


OUCH gets 3.5 Stars from
Training Media Review!

Recommendation: I recommend Ouch! That Stereotype Hurt for any organization that wants to increase employee awareness of remarks that might seem OK on the surface but are really based on bias or stereotypes. As this program points out, “One voice—your voice—can make a difference.” And that is the beginning of building a workplace where all people feel included, respected, and able to do their best.

READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW


Feedback about OUCH from the field:

Finally, a video that shows the viewer exactly how to respond in moments of diversity-related tension! No blame, no guilt, no conflict – just practical, specific skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. OUCH! is a must-have and a must-see for anyone seeking to create and sustain a respectful workplace.

Sondra Thiederman, Ph.D.
Author, Making Diversity Work:
Seven Steps for Defeating Bias
in the Workplace


Your Ouch! video is even more powerful than the book. And I LOVED your book!

Regina Dunay, Sr. Consultant,
Spherion Human Resource
Consulting Group



A 3-Part Training Program: OUCH! offers 3 dynamic segments for you to use as is, or customize for your unique training needs.
Part 1 gives a direct and powerful experience of stereotypes.
In Part 2, we hear personal stories of why people didn't speak up: don't know what to say, don't want to make a big deal, don't want to sound angry, and many other common reasons for not speaking up.
Part 3 delivers 6 simple examples of how to speak up without blame or guilt. In just 12 minutes, the OUCH video gives a complete experience and understanding of how to speak up without blame or guilt.

Extra feature 1: The next section is a 5-minute skill-building section to test participant's ability to identify the demeaning comment and suitable response.

Extra feature 2: This version of OUCH includes vignettes in Part 3. This gives you an option for your training session - with or without vignettes.

CD-ROM Leader's Guide: OUCH offers a lot of value in one package. The Leader's Guide is extensive and will enable you to customize your own training module, print out user materials, even use a PowerPoint presentation in your session.

OUCH! Leader's Guide Materials:
The package includes the DVD or VHS, and also a CD-ROM with Leader's Guide information, handouts and Powerpoint presentations for a 1-hour and 2-hour training session.

Review the Leader's Guide and Handouts by clicking on these links:

PDF Leader's Guide

PDF Handout for 1-hour Training

PDF Handout for 2-hour Training


Ouch product shot OUCH training package costs:
Purchase: $695
Rental: $300

Discounts available for:
    Government
    Education
    Non-Profit
    Multiple copies

We can also work with you to deliver OUCH via the internet or your intranet. Streaming licenses are available.









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