Back to: HIV Stigma Workshop Kit
A good first step to reduce stigma is about looking inward. Before we change others, we have to notice our own biases and judgments. Checking yourself is about slowing down before reacting or asking oneself, “do I have conscious or unconscious biased-thinking towards individuals or groups of people?”
Why it matters – Self-awareness helps prevent personal judgments from turning into stigmatizing behaviour. It’s checking the inside part of stigma to prevent it from showing on the outside.
How to do it
Here are some suggested ways to engage in the practice of checking yourself. Try one, try them all, or develop your own practice or method to engage in the process of self-awareness and determining where you might have your own judgements/biases.
Take a breath or pause before responding; ask yourself if your reaction is based on facts or assumptions; reflect in the moment regularly on your attitudes.
Ask a trusted colleague, peer, or supervisor for honest input about how you communicate or behave. Helps uncover blind spots in language, tone, or behaviour that could be unintentionally stigmatizing.
Take an online bias test to potentially indicate where you might be judging other people unfairly either consciously or unconsciously.
EXPLORE MORE
Self-assessment tool for STBBIs and stigma (CPHA) – A survey exercise for people to self-assess and reflect on their own attitudes regarding clients who have STBBIs.