Teaching about Implicit Bias

Unfortunately, terms like Critical Race Theory, unconscious bias, and prejudice are being labeled as divisive and racist. Let me be clear: These terms are not divisive or racist. What is divisive is racism, and the only way to get rid of racism is to be open and honest with yourself and our society. And then do the hard work of struggling with it and working to overcome it.

I've been working with these topics for a while now, and I've found a few things I'd like to share for you to explore and perhaps share with others. I am by no means an expert--I'm just someone who has been doing this work on a personal level for a while now. I still have miles to go, so if you've got resources or ideas to share as well, send them my way.

Step 1: Learn the science behind implicit bias.

This article provides a nice explanation of the brain science research that explains why we have implicit or unconscious bias. The good news: It's perfectly instinctual to have unconscious bias--it is a biological mechanism designed to protect us. The bad news: This mechanism isn't currently serving us in our society. In fact, it is making our society unfair and unjust, and it is actively hurting people.

The great part about being human is that we have the ability to overcome our instincts. We do it all the time! When you see a delicious cake and want it but don't eat it--you are overcoming an instinct to just eat the damn cake, because you have good reasons (presumably) for not doing so.

Step 2: Learn about your implicit biases.

This one's going to hurt. The Harvard Implicit Bias project has various tests to examine different types of biases, such as race-based and religious. While you may think you do not have any biases, I promise you do. It's perfectly natural (recall step 1) and our society only reinforces these ideas.

Knowing about your biases means you know what you have to overcome. You will know what to think twice about when you encounter certain people. You'll know what to pay attention to.

Step 3: Explore how to counteract implicit bias.

There are steps you can take to counteract your bias. This article talks about several of them, including searching out experiences and people to counteract your bias. For example, befriend someone who is among a group that you are not a part of and learn about it. Attend open events where the group welcomes outsiders to learn more. Watch movies, read books and articles, and talk to people in groups that you are not a part of to learn more about the perspective of others. And always put yourself in their shoes. Remember that one person cannot represent an entire group, so any disagreements you have with a singular person should not affect your perception of an entire group of people.

I hope this article helps you adopt an approach to learn more about implicit bias and counteract it. It is real, it is affecting us, and it is problematic. If you just want all of this to go away, know that we all do. But for it to go away, you've got to do the work on yourself first. We all do.