When Identity and Bias Impact Rumors and Gossip

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School

Overview

Rumors and gossip are commonplace among tweens and teens and tend to spread rapidly in schools, communities and online. Gossip and rumors can be harmful for many reasons, including that they can spread untrue or private information about people. In our digital world, the amplification of that information often spreads far and wide. In addition, members of marginalized social identity groups may be more likely to be the subject of rumors and gossip in schools and online. Because these groups may have less power or be in the minority in school, it makes addressing the rumors and gossip even more challenging. At the same time, it makes it more likely that others will believe and spread lies about them.

In this activity, students will:

• Explore what gossip and rumors are and how they impact others.
• Reflect on their own experiences with gossip and rumors.
• Consider how identity and bias impacts who becomes the subject of gossip and rumors and the extent to which it takes hold in a school or community.