Unconscious bias. It's hiding in plain sight. And yet - it can be difficult to identify and resolve. But what is it? It's defined as a prejudice either in favour or against a person, thing, or group, compared with another.
Crucially, it manifests in a way that's considered to be unfair.
For example, going to see a doctor and being surprised they're female speaks to an unconscious bias that all doctors must be men.
1. Take a look at yourself
No man is an island. There’s a reason the phrase has endured five centuries. John Donne’s lyrical assessment of humanity’s interconnectedness still resonates. That’s to say: we’re products of forces greater than ourselves.
Whether hardship and heartbreak, or hijinks and holidays…our lived experiences determine how we think. Untangling the WhoWhatWhere and How of those experiences is a complex process. The unique textures of our lives inform the views we hold.
We all have unconscious biases. Think about how your identity might have impacted your worldview. To begin, acknowledge where your views on race, class, identity and inequality come from. Then ask: do I make assumptions about people based on their identities?
2. Do your research
Recognising unconscious bias can be challenging. It takes work to whittle down the way we think. Understand that this is a learning process. Be patient with yourself. Research the many forms of unconscious bias. This explainer on talking to children about racism is a great place to start.
3. Correct misinformation
Misinformation is at the heart of all bias. There’s no hierarchy of races, nor for any other markers of identity. Unconscious bias can be unlearned by looking at the assumptions we make about ‘types’ of people, and what they represent. Help your child to understand that we are all equal, and that everyone is deserving of equal kindness and respect.
4. Acknowledge what you don’t know
You don’t have all the answers (yet). If your child asks a question you’re unsure about, why not discover the answer together? Create a space of psychological safety where there’s no such thing as a stupid question and learning is encouraged.
5. Limit social media
We’re at a critical juncture. Climate change, conflict, coronavirus…these are just a few of the challenges today’s children are growing up with. It can be overwhelming. It’s important that children are aware of what’s happening in the world. Yet, social media can often amplify these crises, and create anxiety. Limiting the time children spend on social media can ensure they don’t get lost down the rabbit hole as they’re discovering new concepts.
