Combating implicit bias first requires awareness of bias. The first step necessary to cultivate an awareness of implicit bias is realize that you, especially if you are a non-minority, have implicit biases. Accepting that biases are a part of the human condition, that they are hardwired into minds shortly after we are born and then reinforced through our development, our schooling and our interactions with culture and the media. Whatever conscious beliefs about equality and diversity you may hold, whatever political party you support, or whatever charities you donate to, implicit biases are hidden in your subconscious mind. Dating or befriending someone of another race does not exempt you, nor does having bi-racial children. Fortunately tools like the Project Implicit tests, activities based on Peggy McIntosh’s “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” and the AAUW’s tool to test for unconscious associations, are available to help us become aware of personal implicit biases.
But what do we do once we realize we have implicit biases, how do we take these subconscious drivers out of the pilot seats and consciously live our lives in ways that promote equity and equality? Researchers Patricia G. Devine, Patrick S. Forscher, Anthony J. Austin, and William T. L. Cox from the University of Wisconsin have likened implicit bias to a habit and are working to develop a strategy based on evidence practices of transforming habits that can work for combating bias. Devine determined that in order to combat bias people need to first develop awareness of their bias and “they must be concerned about the consequences of their biases before they will be motivated to exert effort to eliminate them.” Hopefully you are already concerned about the negative consequences of implicit biases, but for those that do not see the urgency and importance of combating implicit bias there are a number of things that may help. Seeking out and listening to other’s stories, travelling and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, and specially designed training can help to motivate people to become more concerned about others.
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