We all have implicit biases. So what can we do about it? | Dushaw Hockett | TEDxMidAtlanticSalon

Summary

The speaker argues that current approaches to racial bias and difference are inadequate, emphasizing the importance of addressing implicit bias. Implicit biases are subconscious, often contradict conscious beliefs, and are triggered by automatic associations. Focusing on implicit bias offers a more expansive diagnosis and treatment of racial issues, can predict and prevent discriminatory behavior, and helps reduce shame associated with bias discussions. The speaker concludes by advocating for personal and societal change to align actions with egalitarian beliefs.

Takeaways

• 📚 The current approach to racial bias and difference in the country is seen as inadequate and incomplete.
• 🧠 Implicit bias is a significant concept, recognized by influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Malcolm Gladwell, and is a focus for addressing racial issues.
• 🔍 Implicit bias operates subconsciously, making it difficult to detect through self-reflection alone.
• 🤔 Implicit biases can contradict conscious beliefs, leading to actions that may not align with one's stated values.
• 🔑 Implicit biases are triggered by automatic associations between people, ideas, and stereotypes, influencing behavior without conscious awareness.
• 💡 The speaker suggests an exercise to demonstrate the power of automatic associations and their impact on perception and behavior.
• 🌟 Focusing on implicit bias provides a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges related to racial and other forms of bias.
• ⚠️ Implicit bias is both predictive of discriminatory behavior and can be addressed preventively through emerging strategies.
• 🤝 An implicit bias approach can reduce shame associated with discussions of bias, encouraging more people to engage in self-reflection and societal change.
• 👶 Every individual benefits from having someone who is 'irrationally crazy' about them, emphasizing the need for personal and societal change to foster such connections.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the script?

The main argument is that the current approach to addressing racial bias and other lines of difference is inadequate and incomplete, and that implicit bias must be considered to make significant progress.

What is implicit bias according to the script?

Implicit bias is a preference or prejudice against a person or group that operates at the subconscious level, outside of conscious awareness, and often contradicts conscious beliefs.

What are the three characteristics of implicit bias mentioned in the script?

The three characteristics are: 1) They operate at the subconscious level, 2) They often run contrary to conscious beliefs, and 3) They are triggered through rapid and automatic mental associations.

Why is addressing implicit bias important for societal change?

Addressing implicit bias is important because it provides a more expansive diagnosis of societal challenges, offers predictive and preventive measures, and helps reduce the shame associated with discussing bias.

How can implicit biases be identified according to the script?

Implicit biases can be identified through tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT), which can serve as a predictor of discriminatory behavior.

What is the relationship between implicit bias and conscious beliefs as discussed in the script?

The relationship is that implicit biases can exist in contradiction to a person's conscious beliefs, meaning someone can consciously hold egalitarian views while still harboring biases at an unconscious level.

What is the proposed solution to reduce the impact of implicit bias?

The proposed solution includes internal motivation and habitual practice to reduce vulnerability to acting on biases, aligning actions with consciously held beliefs, and adopting a prevention approach rather than a reactive one.

How does the script suggest we should approach the issue of bias to foster change?

The script suggests focusing on how to align actions and behaviors with consciously held egalitarian beliefs, rather than labeling individuals as racist or sexist.

What is the significance of the term 'irrationally crazy' used by Urie Bronfenbrenner in the context of the script?

The term signifies the importance of having at least one person in one's life who is deeply and unconditionally supportive, which is essential for fostering the internal change necessary to make external societal change possible.

How does the script connect the concept of implicit bias to everyday experiences?

The script connects implicit bias to everyday experiences by using the example of mental associations with words like 'government', 'corporate', and 'subsidized housing', which can shape perceptions and behaviors unconsciously.

What is the role of self-reflection and introspection in understanding and addressing implicit bias?

Self-reflection and introspection are limited in understanding and addressing implicit bias because these biases operate outside of conscious awareness and cannot be accessed through introspection alone.