Our function to hold biases is wired into the oldest part of our brains, the amygdala. Understanding that biases are universal, then recognizing how they function in our daily lives and actions, we can begin to address them and interrupt them when they hold us back or do harm.
Resources
Have you ever felt like you know someone based on assumptions? In this experiment, conducted by Participant, a media company making content that stands at the intersection of art and activism, these biases are challenged by asking people to make assumptions about another’s appearance without actually seeing them.
There are many types of unconscious biases that we hold without even knowing. Check out this webpage that defines some of these biases along with examples to get a better understanding of the concept.
Although implicit biases may be subconsciously embedded to help us in times of uncertainty, these biases don’t always serve us and aren’t always true. Check out this article/podcast that highlights how to keep our biases in check.
Reflection
What are some advantages to knowing that you have biases?
Why should content creators (ex. Writers, film-makers, journalists, etc.) have a good understanding of their implicit biases?