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Much as I want to put myself on a pedestal and say I am not biased, research has proven that we are all biased.
The hard truth is that unconscious biases exist in all of us. It is something that is hardwired in us, and it will take decades of cultural reprogramming to change. What research tells us is that our brain’s need to organize our social worlds gives rise to categorisation of groups of people and individuals by social stereotypes at the unconscious level. Outside our conscious awareness.
This bias is dangerous as it happens unconsciously. We therefore unknowingly judge people based on generalization from one trait or event, and we become prejudice against that group or person. Unchecked, our unconscious biases will have negative consequences on groups, individuals, and even institutions.
Unconscious bias, or implicit bias, is not limited to race and ethnicity. Age, gender, gender identity physical abilities, religion, sexual orientation, weight, and many other characteristics are also subject to bias.
Unfortunately, as this happens at the unconscious level, there are no immediate solutions. The best way to prevent ourselves from succumbing to these unconscious biases is to become aware of them and take action to prevent them.
