3.0 Unconscious Bias & Visioning

Unconscious bias and visioning

check mark iconUnconscious Bias & Visioning Checklist

Please complete the readings and activities before continuing to Module 3.1

☐ Read about how biases are formed
☐ Compare & contrast between explicit and implicit bias
☐ Read the definition of unconscious bias
☐ Watch Kimberly Papillon’s video on unconscious bias
☐ Read “Did you know?” section on unconscious biases
☐ Watch the Youtube video “Blindspots: Challenge Assumptions”
☐ Reflection Note: Understanding Unconscious Bias – What this means to you

outcomes iconBy the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Identify the definition of unconscious bias.
  • Identify one test you can commit to taking/debriefing from project implicit (the IAT).
  • Craft/draft an interculturally effective vision of yourself at your highest and best.

Deconstructing our unconscious bias takes consistent work. We can't address it once and be done. We need to recognize these unwanted, deep-rooted beliefs and limit their influence on us.

Source: Unconscious Biases

heading iconHow are Biases Formed?

Biases are shortcuts our brain forms based on culture, our own experiences, things other people tell us, and institutional influences.

social media, socialization, culture, experiences, institutional influences

 

How are Biases Formed? Biases are shortcuts our brain forms based on our culture, experiences, things other people tell us, institutional influences and other external influences such as social media. When faced with situations or people, we use mental maps and patterns to classify them by making a number of automatic associations. Not surprisingly, our perceptions and assumptions based on these automatic associations are not always correct. Because our unconscious biases tend to be ingrained, it takes some work to disrupt them, but it can be done through active reflection and practising inclusive behaviors. Adapted from Microsoft Diversity training, eLearning Unconscious Bias

heading iconExplicit and Implicit / Unconscious Biases

Consider the following scenario:

Now, consider the scenario below:

Unconscious Bias Defined

Unconscious bias is a quick and often inaccurate judgment based on limited facts and our own life experiences. People can be biased about just about anything — not just things like gender, skin colour, or age, but also things like communication style or what someone does in their free time. Unconscious bias is not intentional — it’s part of the lens through which we see the world.

In our everyday lives, when people don’t fit our internalized expectations, we can sometimes have difficulty seeing their talents, motivations, and potential clearly — which can mean we interact with them less effectively.

When we understand how biases influence our behavior, we can take action to create an inclusive culture — one where everyone can contribute, innovate, and provide solutions.

Source: Adapted from Microsoft Diversity training, Unconscious Bias

Learn more about bias from Kimberly Papillon, Esq. Judicial Educator, Consultant, Regular Faculty at the National Judicial College.

Often, unconscious bias can be difficult to spot because it is not the same as explicit bias or blatant bigotry.

For instance, perhaps you consider yourself to be a very open-minded, liberal person who would never use pejorative language about any group of people, but you would still quickly cross the street if you see a group of shaved heads with cigarettes stuck in their teeth walking towards you on the sidewalk.

Or, maybe when providing anecdotes to friends and family regarding people who have annoyed or irritated you in some way, you make sure to mention the race or ethnicity of those who are different from that of your own.

Have a look at some of the examples below:

4 panel comic. First panel: white-skinned woman asking white skinned woman with baby, "Aw! Is that your little brother?". Next panel: Same white woman asking dark skin woman with dark skin baby, "Aw! is this your son?". Third panel: White man asking white woman, "What colleges have you applied to?". Fourth panel: Same white man asking dark skinned woman, "Will you be the first person in your family to graduate high school?"

Image Source: CQ Your Bias workshop

Further Reading: What is unconscious bias?

Now you know that our brains are wired to make assumptions, which can sometimes be off base. We may think it’s an honest mistake, but science calls it a blind spot or unconscious bias. So are you ready to challenge your assumptions?

reflection icon Reflection Note

Understanding Unconscious Bias | What This Means to You?

This reflection activity encourages you to think about your approach to addressing the assumptions or blind spots that you may develop while engaging with others. You can complete this activity in any way that you prefer – Word document, PDF, PPT, visual, audio, video, etc. We have also provided you with an online form below so that you can capture your reflections and export a copy of your work.

Let us now embark on a journey to explore how our deep-rooted ways of thinking can have a significant influence on our attitudes and behavior and can limit possibilities for ourselves and others.

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You’ve completed: 3.0 Unconscious Bias & Visioning, you can move on to 3.1 Facts by using the menu at the left or the navigation at the bottom of this page.

License

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Intercultural Awareness and Competence Copyright © 2021 by Trecia McLennon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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