Cause for a misinterpretation
Think through one or two characteristics that you hold, share them with the class, and how these have been cause for a misinterpretation of who you are or what you do (For example, a reaction to the characteristic “vegetarian” might be “you must eat only healthy foods).
Then, answer the following questions:
1.) How often do you make assumptions about people based on a single piece of their identity? Use at least one personal example.
2) How can you become more comfortable “broaching” rather than shying away from bringing up the differences or similarities you might have with others?
3) What biblical passages or biblical insights are relevant to the discussion and how does reflecting on them in relation to this topic help further your insights?
Sample Solution
Causes for a misinterpretation
Throughout our lives, people attach labels to us, and those labels reflect and affect how others think about our identities as well as how we think about ourselves. Labels are not always negative; they can reflect positive characteristics, set useful expectations, and provide meaningful goals in our lives. Often, however, the labels that we use to describe each other are the result of unfounded assumptions and stereotypes. We regularly apply labels to people whom we barely know, and the same is done to us. Thus, for good or for bad, labels represent an influence on our identity that is often beyond our control.
