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By: Akon Angara
In spite of the fact that xenophobia, racism, and discrimination, of all kind, is deemed unacceptable in society, the effects of discrimination still continue to plague our society in ways we may not even recognize. One way these effects may manifest is by unconsciously forming biases towards other groups. These are called “unconscious biases”, and may lead to racism and the belief in harmful stereotypes about ethnic groups.
Unconscious, or implicit bias, refers to prejudiced judgment, and how you view other races in comparison to your own.
We must first ask ourselves where these biases come from. Through western propaganda and many generations of fixed and overgeneralized beliefs about groups of people, we may unconsciously begin to believe these stereotypes. As well as this, many biases may be developed in childhood. For example:
● Seeing how your parents spoke and interacted with people from other races.
● Seeing representation in the media and which races were predominantly seen.
● How races are portrayed in cinema and media.
● What races are being portrayed as smart, attractive, healthy, etc.
These are just a few of many other examples and are all ways that unconscious bias is developed.
There are innumerable harmful generalizations about ethnic groups. Once these beliefs or stereotypes are established, it’s difficult to change your way of thinking. You may unintentionally look for evidence that attests to your convictions and beliefs on said races.
These behaviors may also affect how you feel and behave when approached by those of different races. Changing your composure when approached by someone of a different race, whether this is by walking past, sitting next to, or being spoken to is an indicator of the beliefs you hold towards this race. For example, clutching your purse or crossing the street when walking past a dark skin person reveals prejudiced beliefs you hold.
These unconscious biases may also lead to microaggressions, affect your everyday decision making and warp your perception of your own identity. In terms of microaggressions, believing in stereotypes, you may communicate hostile messages based on someone’s ethnicity or race. These microaggressions can often go undetected, however, they last a lifetime and can have detrimental effects on those who are on the receiving end. For decision-making, even everyday decisions may be influenced
by biases, but for those who are affected by biases. You may be impacted emotionally and behaviorally as a result of being stereotyped, which may, in turn, lead to making less rational decisions. Believing in stereotypes is another thing that many POC who have been affected by stereotypes and biases may face. After being stereotyped and pushed to fit a certain stereotype, you may struggle with your sense of identity; feeling pressure to conform to these stereotypes, or feeling disconnected because you don’t fit them. This can affect your self-identity, and leave you feeling pressure and insecurity about who you are.
Unconcerned biases may lead to discriminatory behavior and perpetuating racism when left unchecked. It’s important to first acknowledge these biases, and then work towards unlearning them.
You can achieve this by:
● Observing your own thoughts, beliefs, and feelings when it comes to race. How do you automatically view people of different races? How do you view yourself? How can you change these views?
● Seek support. If you are a victim of biases, seek support from those who have experienced similar issues, and how to better deal with these. It is also important to seek help from mental professionals, as falling victim to this can be emotionally damaging and scarring.
● Reduce stereotypes. Make a conscious effort to reduce how you portray other races.
● Educate yourself. It’s important to educate yourself to learn where these biases may stem from, and you may realize behaviors you were not consciously aware of doing.
It’s important to unlearn these behaviors to help dismantle and tackle racism.
SOURCES
https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion/unconscious-bias-examples
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/diversity/unconscious-bias/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2021/05/17/10-ways-to-reduce-the-damaging-impact-of-unc onscious-bias-on-your-business/
https://www.verywellmind.com/harmful-psychological-effects-of-racial-stereotyping-5069394 https://www.verywellmind.com/implicit-bias-overview-4178401#how-to-reduce-implicit-bias