Even when they have the will to do it, communities often don't really know how to face up to their own prejudices. In June, a vivid and provocative community art project may provide a start for Cincinnatians.

Created by students in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, the Prejudice Project consists of 8-foot tall, free-standing kiosks that allow visitors to explore and react to themes related to prejudice. Rather than sweeping topics, such as civil rights or the Holocaust, the exhibit focuses on the settings and actions of everyday life. Viewers will be challenged to consider how they react to a bigoted joke, how it feels to be the only woman in a conversational group, how one person's silence allows discriminatory behavior to occur.

The themes are explored through colorful images, text and teaching tools, including "action cards" that offer three simple suggestions for combating prejudice. A kiosk that deals with social exclusion suggests simply greeting the new person in a group. One on tolerance recommends initiating joint philanthropic projects between two different religious congregations.

Each display includes a provocative quote - intentionally left anonymous - to further personal reflection. "Bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problem," reads the quote in the kiosk on silence. "The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful, and the most tragic problem is silence."

The Prejudice Project is an outgrowth of the Facing Prejudice project begun by the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education at Hebrew Union College. Center director Racelle Weiman wanted a project to open up a community dialogue on prejudice. UC's DAAP students donated their time and graphics skills to make the project happen.

The public is encouraged to view the Prejudice Project, which will tour area college campuses. Its first exhibit opens June 21 at UC's Tangeman Center and runs throughout the summer. The free exhibit will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

"People can choose to be prejudiced, or they can choose to be tolerant," Weiman says. "It's a matter of the choices we make every day of our lives."

This feature appears on Mondays. Is there someone or something you have encountered that makes life better in Greater Cincinnati? Send your suggestions to Ray Cooklis at rcooklis@enquirer.com