Assignment
Recall the big questions discussed in Chapter 1. Select one (or more) of the questions, and apply it to a specific situation in your life. Briefly describe the situation, and discuss how you would answer the question based on your experience in that situation.
Big questions are: Why do stereotypes and prejudices exist and persist? How do media outlets shape our thoughts and behaviors? What are the benefits and drawbacks of living in groups?
Many people are concerned with the image others have of them. To alter people's images, you might behave, act, and present yourself in a certain way. In other words, many people attempt to control the impression others form of them. This process is known as impression management.
In this journal assignment:
- Explain a situation in which you or someone you know engaged in impression management. Why did you engage in this behavior?
- Do you believe that you engage in impression management often? Why, or why not?
- Based on your answers above, when you engage in impression management, do you believe you are successful? Why, or why not?
In this journal, you will discuss at least one instance in your life in which a person was perceived to be at fault for a negative thing that happened to them. The example you provide can come from your direct experience, the experiences of others in your life, the news media, or from a movie or television show.
Specifically, answer the following questions.
- How is this scenario an example of blaming the victim? Do you agree or disagree with this perception?
- How is blaming the victim related to the fundamental attribution error and potentially harm victims further?
- Discuss what steps can be taken to avoid blaming the victim in similar scenarios and why you think that would be successful based on your own experiences.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.