On September 24th 2015, Stockton University held its annual Convocation for the new freshmen. The speaker this year was Dr. Valerie Purdie-Vaughns. Upon arriving to this event, many of the freshmen filled up the entire Performing Arts Center. Many of the students did not even know what to expect coming from the event because professors told everyone to go due to its importance. After a short introduction by the Student Senate President and Professor Lenard, Dr. Purdie-Vaughns appeared on the stage in front of the large audience.
Dr. Purdie-Vaughns then began to talk about many different aspects included in the book Whistling Vivaldi by Claude Steele, which was the required reading material for all freshmen. Therefore, everyone would be able to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts mention in the book. Dr. Purdie-Vaughns began her discussion by explaining how everyone in the room can be stereotyped in some way. This means that every person can have a stereotype thrust upon to them. Furthermore, Dr. Purdie-Vaughns showed how people with the same birthdays feel a special connection even though they do not have anything else truly in common. She then related this to stereotypes and how people with a common stereotype can feel a deeper connection just because they are faced with the same stereotype as them.
Additionally, Dr. Purdie-Vaughns’ presentation also explained the concept of stereotype threat. In fact, she explained how stereotype threat is can be subconscious, as well as conscious. Therefore, people do not always have to be completely aware that they are undergoing some sort of stereotype threat. Lastly, Dr. Purdie-Vaughns also described how stereotypes can be local to a certain area. This means that a stereotype present in North America might not exist in a different part of the world.
Overall, Convocation provided a lot of insight on the topics presented in Whistling Vivaldi and stereotypes in general. Dr. Purdie-Vaughns gave an excellent presentation that intrigued the audience. I am glad I was able to attend this presentation because it was very insightful and made me even more aware about the stereotypes in our society and how they affect people.