What characteristics and behaviors are attributed to race by society?

1. How do these stereotypes and biases shape the way people perceive and interact with others, particularly Black Americans?

Reflect on how the criminal legal system and political institutions are portrayed in When They See Us.

2. Has watching this film changed your understanding of the criminal legal system or political institutions? How does it reveal systemic racism in law enforcement, the courts, and the media?

How have media and popular culture representations of Black Americans contributed to white fear and anxiety?

3. Explore how portrayals of Black Americans, such as using terms like “criminal,” “super predator,” and “thug,” contribute to their criminalization and dehumanization. How do these stereotypes influence individual perceptions and institutional practices?

There is a presumption of dangerousness that is often assigned to minorities, particularly Black Americans.

4. What specific actions can we take, both individually and collectively, to challenge these stereotypes and dismantle the systems of bias and dehumanization?

As you reflect on the materials in this module, consider how your understanding of systemic racism, bias, and the dehumanization of Black Americans shapes your perceptions of the criminal legal system, media, and broader society. How can you take action in your own community, workplace, or relationships to challenge racial biases and promote a more equitable, just and inclusive world where all people are valued and treated with dignity?