It’s not always easy to know how to respond when you hear or see something inappropriate. One approach is to ask questions like “Can you tell me what you meant by that?” or “What information are you basing that on?” By responding calmly and engaging others in discussion, you can clear up any misunderstandings and create opportunities for further conversation.

Think about the content your family reads or watches consistently. Do the TV shows, books, games, movies and magazines you consume have a cast of different people and storylines, and explore perspectives different from your own? If not, you can start reading or watching content that broadens your exposure to people different from you.

Sometimes letting someone know you care is all it takes to make them feel safe and seen. It doesn’t have to be a public display. Take a moment to pull someone aside or send a quick text or email — it can be as simple as saying “Hey, I saw what happened earlier; is there anything you need?” or “I’m always around if you ever want to talk about the way that experience made you feel.”

Those around us may make assumptions about an individual based on their age, race, sexual orientation or other part of their identity. For instance, older adults are sometimes assumed to be “bad at technology.” Rather than relying on these assumptions, try to get to know each person on an individual level and evaluate their individual merit and skills. By doing so, we can help ensure every American is valued fairly.

Reporting suspected hate crimes is vital to support victims and send a clear message that such actions are unacceptable. Law enforcement can also use this information to prevent future incidents.

Spend a little time reading or watching material that helps you understand people who might be different from you. Even though you might not see the impact in the moment, you'll be more informed and better able to support those around you.