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DEI Read & Learn

Resources for learning more about diversity, equity & inclusion topics, from the library's DEI Committee

Learn more about Implicit Bias

Implicit bias: attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.  More

We all have implicit biases, based on information we have received throughout our lives. We want to believe that we are unbiased, fair, and objective people, that we always consider and treat everyone the same. Unfortunately, implicit bias can lead us to automatically behave or react in contrary ways, often without our conscious awareness.

The good news is that we CAN learn to mitigate our own implicit biases.There is no one way to do this, no magic or "best" method, but most methods involve three components:

1.  Awareness: Cultivating deep and constant awareness that this kind of bias exists in all of us. Recognize that gut reactions are likely System 1 thinking. 

2. Questioning thoughts and behaviors: We don’t have to (and shouldn't) allow System 1 to run our lives. Question your instinctual reactions. Challenge your own negative reactions & stereotypes.   

​3. Remembering and learning: "I have recognized this bias in myself. I don’t have to let it take over. When I make a mistake and it takes over, I will apologize and work to make amends. I will repeat this cycle as necessary; I can learn to say no to System 1."

 

pointing handSee also Unconscious Bias Handout from Enact Solutions for more methods; see also Every Single Cognitive Bias Infographic for fun and edification!

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