The International Collaboration Network (ICN) held a panel discussion called "Eyes Wide Shut: Opening Our Eyes to Stereotypes" on Feb. 10, exploring the nature of stereotypes and how to establish communication across cultural barriers. This was the first event sponsored by The International Collaboration Network, a committee of administrators, staff and faculty from a variety of Brandeis groups, including the Study Abroad Office and the International and Global Studies program.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Elaine Wong facilitated the panel and introduced each speaker.

Professor Andrew Molinsky (IBS) defined stereotyping as a means applying a generalization about a group to an individual. Molinsky introduced research results from Harvard-based Project Implicit, which conducts experiments testing how people have stereotypes.

"The bottom line of this cutting edge research is that we all use stereotypes. We absorb them from all around us. This research shows that a neo-Nazi may have the same bias as a business man," Molinsky said.

Molinsky identified the challenge of fighting stereotypes.

"Is there a way to fight against your unconscious mind? The power to change the negative effects of stereotypes lies within us and that is why sessions like this are so important," Molinsky said.

Graduate student Mia Siscawati spoke on her experiences coming from her native Indonesia and adjusting to American perceptions of Islam after Sept. 11, 2001.

"In Indonesia, we hear how the Muslims here after September 11 were treated. My family was very scared I would have problems in the U.S.," Siscawati said. According to the CIA World Factbook, 88 percent of Indonesians are Muslims.

Siscawati, a Fulbright Scholar, said she had worn a head scarf for religious and spiritual reasons in Indonesia and in her visits to America. Without having problems in the past, Siscawati came to the United States despite her families fears.

Siscawati said she always felt that it was stereotype within her culture that "we think everyone will hate Muslims."

One year after 9/11, while walking down a street in Waltham, Siscawati said she was chased by teenagers and threatened because of her head scarf. Siscawati also said other negative experiences have reaffirmed the serious consequences of holding stereotypes. She said her experience triggered a serious change.

"For the first time in my life I felt that I lost my freedom. I decided to remove my scarf because I didn't want to put my family in danger," Siscawati said.

Professor Pamela Allara (FA) began with a presentation on how stereotypes are reinforced in our minds through images in media and art.

She presented a controversial Time magazine cover featuring a mug shot of O.J. Simpson with the headline "An American Tragedy." She said the image was darkened through Adobe Photoshop.

"Clearly there were racist intents here," Allara said. "They may have been unconscious but they were definitely there. This image, seemingly darkened and manipulated can potentially create or reinforces stereotypes in the reader, making us question our judgment on the entire O.J. Simpson trial. I think he did it. But why do I think he did it? These are the questions we have to ask tonight."

Dara Wald '04 shared her reflections on her experience studying abroad last semester in Kenya. While describing her initial expectations of people on the program, she anticipated boarding the plane with students wearing khakis and sandals, and not a lot of makeup.

"I realize now looking back on it that I was stereotyping myself and group members," Wald said.

She said her interactions with the Kenyans demonstrated differences in cultural norms, perceptions on money, Americans and the role of women in society.

After the speakers, those in attendance split into 12 discussion groups to participate in dialogue over dinner.

"You could tell people were really willing to grapple with some of the issues. I think people are eager to work on these questions. I think people are really struggling to grapple with issues from last semester," Director of Coexistence Research and International Collaborations Cynthia Cohen said.

"It's only by being in these conversations that people can really learn across these institutional barriers. This is an example of something that needs to happen," Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs Michele Rosenthal said.