Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

The stereotypes that create the internalized biases can result from our culture or personal experiences. These stereotypes come in a variety of forms (Schneider, 2004). Race, gender, age, social class, are other ways we categorize others, these categories have their own specific stereotypes. This may lead to more noticeable forms of racism, sexism and heterosexism (Schneider, 2004). The internalized cultural oppression possibly caused by these stereotypes was theorized to have a negative impact one’s sense of individuation, which can simultaneously influence one’s creative expression. Looking at participants’ symbol-making through art therapy and Jungian’s approach, this research investigates the possible internalization of negative stereotypes (or the internalized cultural oppression), and how they may impact one’s ability to creatively express oneself. The data resulted in mixed conclusions, suggesting further areas of research. The research represents an important movement in studying one’s identity that is shaped by how they cope through environmental stressors, including the study of the personal barriers from discovering one’s own creativity.