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

TEDx Talks

18 Sept 201712:00

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker argues that current approaches to addressing racial bias and other forms of difference are inadequate. They emphasize the importance of understanding implicit bias, which operates subconsciously and often contradicts conscious beliefs, influencing behavior without our awareness. Implicit bias is characterized by its automatic associations that can be measured and mitigated, offering a more comprehensive diagnosis and preventive strategies for discrimination. The speaker advocates for a shift from reactive to proactive measures in combating bias, reducing shame, and aligning actions with egalitarian values.

Takeaways

😔 The current approach to addressing racial bias and other differences in society is inadequate and incomplete.
🔬 Implicit bias is a significant factor in racial and other forms of bias, operating subconsciously and often contrary to conscious beliefs.
🧠 Implicit biases are not accessible through introspection, making it difficult for individuals to recognize their own biases.
👁️ The science of implicit bias suggests that our automatic mental associations with certain words or concepts can influence our behavior and attitudes.
📊 Implicit bias can be measured and predicted through tools like the Implicit Association Test, indicating potential for discriminatory behavior.
🛡️ Focusing on implicit bias provides a more comprehensive diagnosis of societal challenges related to difference, offering a broader toolbox for addressing them.
🏥 Implicit bias is both predictive and preventive, allowing for the identification of potential discriminatory actions and the development of strategies to mitigate them.
🤝 An implicit bias approach can reduce shame associated with discussing bias, reframing the conversation from personal blame to behavior alignment with beliefs.
🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of internal change work for individuals to create external societal change, suggesting that everyone needs support from someone who cares deeply for them.
👏 The speech concludes with a call to action for individuals to engage in the self-reflective and societal work necessary to align actions with egalitarian beliefs.

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 focusing on implicit bias is crucial for 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 runs contrary to conscious beliefs.
What are the three characteristics of implicit bias mentioned in the script?
-The three characteristics are: 1) They operate subconsciously and can't be accessed through introspection. 2) They often contradict conscious beliefs and values. 3) They are triggered through rapid and automatic mental associations linked to stereotypes.
Why is it important to understand implicit bias in the context of racial and other forms of bias?
-Understanding implicit bias is important because it provides a more expansive diagnosis of societal challenges, offers predictive and preventive measures, and helps reduce shame associated with addressing bias, thus encouraging change.
How can implicit bias be identified or measured?
-Implicit bias can be identified or measured through online implicit association tests, which can serve as predictors of discriminatory behavior.
What is the relationship between implicit bias and explicit bias as discussed in the script?
-The script suggests that much of the harm experienced in society stems from both implicit and explicit forms of bias, but most tools and approaches focus on explicit bias, creating a mismatch in addressing the issue.
What does the script suggest about the current societal approach to dealing with issues of bias?
-The script suggests that the current approach is more of an 'emergency-room response,' reacting to incidents after they occur, rather than a preventive approach that addresses the root causes, such as implicit bias.
How does the script differentiate between guilt and shame in the context of addressing bias?
-Guilt is presented as a recognition of a mistake with the possibility of change, while shame is an internalized belief of being a mistake with no hope for change. The script argues that addressing bias through implicit bias reduces shame and self-shaming.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 The Inadequacy of Addressing Racial Bias

The speaker argues that current approaches to racial bias and difference are insufficient, emphasizing the importance of understanding 'implicit bias.' Implicit bias is a subconscious preference or prejudice that often contradicts conscious beliefs. It operates outside of conscious awareness, making introspection unreliable for detecting it. The speaker introduces the concept with examples from influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Malcolm Gladwell, highlighting its prevalence and the scientific evidence supporting its existence.

05:01

🌐 The Power of Automatic Associations

This paragraph delves into the automatic mental associations that form implicit biases, which are linked to attitudes and behaviors. The speaker uses the example of how introducing themselves with associations to 'government,' 'corporate,' and 'subsidized housing' might unconsciously influence the audience's perception. The paragraph explains that these rapid associations shape behavior daily, often causing harm without conscious intent. The speaker also outlines three reasons why focusing on implicit bias is crucial: it provides a more comprehensive diagnosis of societal challenges, offers predictive and preventive measures against discriminatory behavior, and helps to reduce the shame associated with discussing bias.

10:02

🤝 Overcoming Shame in Bias Discussions

The final paragraph discusses the detrimental effects of shame in addressing issues of bias, contrasting it with guilt, which is seen as a motivator for change. The speaker suggests that the shame associated with being labeled as biased hinders the necessary self-reflection and societal change. By focusing on implicit bias, the conversation shifts from labeling individuals to aligning actions with egalitarian beliefs. The speaker concludes with a call to action inspired by child psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, urging each person to be 'irrationally crazy' about others to foster genuine connection and change, thereby making external societal change possible.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Racial Bias

Racial bias refers to the prejudice or preference for or against individuals based on their race. In the video's context, it is identified as a significant issue that is inadequately addressed in society. The speaker argues that current approaches to racial bias are incomplete and that understanding implicit bias is crucial for making progress on this issue.

💡Implicit Bias

Implicit bias is a concept where people have automatic, subconscious preferences or stereotypes that influence their behavior without their conscious knowledge. The video emphasizes that implicit biases are often contrary to one's stated beliefs and can lead to discriminatory actions, making them a key focus for addressing racial and other forms of bias.

💡Subconscious

The term subconscious refers to the part of our mind that operates below the level of conscious awareness. In the video, it is used to describe where implicit biases reside, indicating that these biases are not accessible through conscious reflection and are outside of our conscious control.

💡Stereotypes

Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified ideas about a group of people. The video explains that implicit biases are linked to the stereotypes we hold, which can be triggered automatically and influence our behavior towards individuals or groups.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination is the unfair treatment of people based on their membership in a particular group. The video discusses how implicit biases can result in discriminatory behavior, even when individuals consciously hold egalitarian beliefs.

💡Project Implicit

Project Implicit is an organization associated with research on implicit biases. The video mentions the online Implicit Association Test (IAT) from Project Implicit, which can serve as a predictor of discriminatory behavior by measuring individuals' implicit biases.

💡Egalitarian Beliefs

Egalitarian beliefs refer to the principles of equality, especially in political, economic, or social life. The video suggests that many people hold these beliefs consciously but may still act in ways that contradict them due to implicit biases.

💡Prevention Approach

A prevention approach in the context of the video refers to strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of bias influencing behavior before it occurs. It contrasts with a reactive approach, which only addresses issues after they have resulted in harm.

💡Shame

Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation or distress. The video discusses how addressing issues of bias is often hindered by shame, both self-inflicted and imposed on others, which can prevent people from acknowledging and correcting their biases.

💡Self-Change Work

Self-change work refers to the personal effort required to recognize and alter one's own biases and behaviors. The video argues that this internal work is necessary for individuals to align their actions with their consciously held beliefs and to create broader societal change.

💡Urie Bronfenbrenner

Urie Bronfenbrenner was a psychologist known for his work on child development and the ecological systems theory. The video quotes him to emphasize the importance of having at least one person in one's life who is deeply supportive, which is connected to the broader message of needing support and understanding to address biases.

Highlights

The current approach to racial bias and other lines of difference is woefully inadequate and incomplete.

Implicit bias is a significant factor in racial and other forms of bias, often operating subconsciously and contrary to stated beliefs.

Implicit biases are not accessible through introspection and can affect behavior without conscious awareness.

Implicit biases can be triggered by rapid and automatic associations between people, ideas, and stereotypes.

Oprah Winfrey and Malcolm Gladwell have brought attention to implicit bias, indicating its widespread recognition.

Implicit bias can lead to actions that contradict one's conscious beliefs and values.

An exercise is proposed to demonstrate the power of automatic associations and their impact on perception.

Implicit bias can affect how individuals are received and the interpretation of their messages.

The mismatch between the diagnosis and treatment of racial bias needs to be addressed with a focus on implicit bias.

Implicit bias can be both predictive of discriminatory behavior and preventive through strategies that reduce its impact.

Project Implicit offers online tests that can serve as predictors of discriminatory behavior.

A focus on implicit bias is essential for a prevention approach to issues of bias and difference.

Implicit bias discussions can reduce shame associated with addressing issues of bias, promoting self-reflection and change.

The distinction between guilt and shame is crucial in understanding how to motivate individuals to address bias.

An implicit bias approach shifts the focus from labeling to aligning actions with egalitarian beliefs.

The importance of internal change work for enabling external societal change is emphasized.

Urie Bronfenbrenner's idea that every individual needs someone irrationally crazy about them is connected to the need for internal change.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Implicit Bias -- how it effects us and how we push through | Melanie Funchess | TEDxFlourCity

When Implicit Bias Becomes Explicit | Megan Fuciarelli | TEDxLivoniaCCLibrary

Should You Chase Spin Efficiency If You Have Supination Bias?

Why we stereotype others and how we can stop. | David Locher | TEDxMSSU

Bias Detection (in Meta-Analyses)

The BEST Attitude To Have On A Motorcycle