Implicit Bias and You. And Me. And Everyone..

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

Thank you for your well-written, thought provoking op, Aroura.  The concept of implicit bias reminds me of the book Whistling Vivaldi by Claude M. Steele.  This book explores the implicit biases we form subconsciously, which affect how we interact with others and our environment.  In particular, Steel focuses on the concept of 'stereotype threat': in certain contexts, we may not fit a particular stereotype; however, due to the societal thought patterns that result from equating stereotypes with normalcy, we may still find ourselves feeling threatened by stereotypes.  For example, if Joe is an exceptionally gifted mathematician, musician, and writer who belongs to a certain cultural group that has been socially equated with low intellectual and artistic ability, then he may find himself battling these stereotypes and falling prey to them, especially when he is called upon to demonstrate his abilities via various aptitude tests and demonstrations of his talents and abilities  to other cultural groups.

As much as we'd like to think that we as individuals completely shape our personal identities, there is no denying the observation that cultural influences and social norms affect us in one way or another. Perhaps, if people embrace this observation, then it will help them spot their tendency to substitute stereotypical shortsightedness for mindful inquiry; thus, increasing our awareness of our various cultural starting points and preparing us to engage other starting points with curiosity, not fear.  


References

Steele, Claude M.  Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. New York: W.W Norton & Company, 2010.