THE CAMPAIGN
IMPLICIT BIAS EFFECTS EVERYONE
WHAT IS IMPLICIT BIAS?
Implicit bias is often called Implicit Association, Implicit Social Cognition, or Unconscious Bias. These are processes at work at an unconscious level that shape the way we perceive and judge each other. These processes are fed by the stigmas of society and eventually represent the attitudes that we have toward different groups of people. Most people don't even realize that these biased attitudes are there. However, they are very real. These biases result in automatic responses in thought, attitudes, and actions that can have negative impacts on the way we interact with each other. These underlying narratives often unintentionally promote discrimination based on RACE, GENDER EXPRESSION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, ABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, etc. The good thing about this is that raising our awareness is the first step in implementing changes. How do we address a problem if we don't know that it exists? The more you understand implicit bias, the better chance we have at correct its implications. If you do your part, together we can create a more equitable and inclusive society. Below you will find a few of many resources to help you #ReachBeyondBias. Reaching Beyond Bias is a platform designed to raise awareness about unconscious bias and other diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Please get connected with us, and check out our podcast "Reachin'" to take part in our ongoing dialogues!
Click here to be redirected to Harvard's Project Implicit . There, you can test your bias, and you can also learn more about Project Implicit and the research behind their implicit bias studies.
We all have it. Let's do something about it!
THINK
LISTEN
Consider the overall implicit bias results for everyone who has taken the White-Black race test:
Given this pattern for the population as a whole, how might experiences in America be different for black citizens or white citizens? Given similar patterns of bias against other stigmatized groups (people of color, women, LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, etc.), how might experiences of people with dominant identities differ from those with marginalized identities?
Is this the pattern among school teachers? ...among lawmakers? ...among voters? ...among police? ...among bankers, real-estate agents, landlords? ... doctors?
REACH
Consciously seek new experiences.
Harmful biases are formed through repeated exposure to stereotypes and stigmas in our culture. We can reverse or counter these patterns if we make conscious choices. Here are just a few easy ways to practice #ReachingBeyondBias :
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Avoid watching TV shows, playing games, or indulging online spaces that promote negative stereotypes about people of color, women, transgender or queer people, and other stigmatized groups.
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Expand your mind by seeking out TV shows, literature, and games with diverse, rich, and fully human stories that run counter to those unwanted biases.
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Push beyond your comfort zone by seeking interactions with people or by choosing to learn more about people who counter your unconscious stereotypes.
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Practice being mindful of the way that your implicit biases may be shaping your perceptions and judgments so that it does not come through in your behavior.
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