Outgroups

If we believe that someone else is in a group to which we belong, we will have positive views of them and give them preferential treatment. This works because we build our self-esteem through belonging, and the presence of someone from an in-group reminds us that we belong. The opposite of in-group bias is an out-group type of bias where, by inference, out-group people just don’t belong. I will have to admit that I scored in the low range on this assessment for including and/or giving special attention to the out-group. While in middle school and high school, I was more cliquish. As I have gotten older and been in various social situations, including work, I have found myself to want to include all. Honestly though, it is more difficult to associate with an individual of an out-group, for the mere reason of their being. For instance, there was a gothic looking girl in high school that was into cutting herself and claimed the she was an atheist. I was nothing like that. Her values and beliefs did not line up with mine at all. Therefore, I did not include her and actually probably ignored her in class. Also, I am quite social and I find it odd that people will have a difficult time communicating with the larger group at hand. Or they might make some lunatic comment and just get a “what the heck are you talking about'” kind of look. At that point, I have caught myself nodding and looking like I might agree with them. I think that as I have gotten older that I have found myself being more sympathetic and not wanting anyone’s feelings to be hurt. So by doing this, I might not really agree with what is being said or done, but yet I won’t just outright be disengaged from them or their conversation. I substitute teach quite a bit at a middle school. I find myself letting the not so popular or cutest dressed student hand out papers, hold the door, or run errands. I think this could be associated to building a special relationship as mentioned in the readings. Anytime you can make a connection with a member of an out-group and get them involved or feel good about what they are doing is beneficial to them. I think by showing this little bit of attention to one member of an out-group also models for the entire in-group that a little goes a long way. I have also noticed that while substituting, the less-disciplined group can also be identified as the out-group. Shown a little positive attention, these students will thrive. Discipline doesn’t seem to be an issue and the class runs smoothly. Regardless of the reasons that out-groups form or their lack of identification to the large group, their needs must be met. Truly, they can have a negative impact on individuals of the large group, and the entire large group can be ruined. A leader must strive to include, have empathy, share, and build relationships. That is what I am trying to do each day in the classroom as I touch base with these young minds. I have to do a better job to include all in a social situation. As I continue to plan events for individuals and groups, I have to mingle and be able to communicate with all walks of life.