None of us want to believe that we can be sexist, racist or ageist or have any other bias in our thinking or behaviour.
Here’s the bad news… even if we think we are the most open minded and fair people in our entourage or family, science suggests otherwise. The majority of people have some tendance to unfairly judge others. The challenge is that it often happens on an unconscious level.
Well researched tests show that we have inherent preferences which develop from a young age reinforced by family, culture and society. When we make choices, if we don’t do so consciously, instinctually, our bias kicks in eg: young over old, boys over girls, straight over gay or white over black. The list is extensive and these choices can lead to discriminatory outcomes with adverse consequences.
This article explains how bias works:
Measuring and assessing our own unconscious bias is a starting point for unravelling learned and ingrained beliefs and behaviours. It is essential that we become braver, uncover our blind spots in order to learn, grow and contribute to greater global equity.
Ok, get ready! Click here to take the Harvard hidden bias test:
Listen to this Podcast from the BBC discussing the impact of hidden bias:
Do your part today and be the best world citizen you can be.
