Implicit bias is any unconsciously held set of associations about a social group, which can result in the attribution of particular qualities to all individuals from that group, a.k.a. stereotyping. 1/
It bears pointing out that implicit biases are the product of learned associations and social conditioning, often beginning at a young age. Most people are unaware that they even hold them. We all hold implicit biases. 2/
These biases don't necessarily align with personal identity — it's quite possible to unconsciously associate positive or negative traits with one’s own race, gender or background. 3/
Holding an implicit bias towards a particular social group can determine how we treat individuals from that group, or even how we treat the group as a whole. 4/
Implicit biases affect human behavior throughout society, including neighborhoods, social gatherings, classrooms, workplaces and most importantly, the legal system. 5/
I grew up in Massachusetts — a rather progressive state. I recall at the beginning of the year, an 8th Grade teacher telling the class that we all make assumptions about new people based upon the way they dress, their accent, their names, and the color of their skin. 6/
She went on to say that the only assumption we should make regarding new classmates — or anyone — is to some that we know nothing about them. She also added that we should all make an effort to get to know them, thereby expanding our personal universes. 7/
Having grown up in a diverse town in a progressive state, I was also raised by a mother who abhorred racism of any kind and warmly welcomed any of our friends into the house. 8/
I haven't lived in Massachusetts for the past 30 years. Now, as a Texan, I run into situations where people think it's fine to disparage people of color because they assume I'm "one of them." 9/
Here's the thing: While I appear Caucasian, I'm half Cape Verdean. Most people in Texas have never heard of Cape Verde and don't know that it's a group of islands off the West coast of Africa. 10/
Eighteen percent of my DNA can be traced back to the Ivory Coast of Africa and another five percent can be traced back to the Middle East. 11/
If you're not comfortable saying things that could be construed as racist in front of someone who is obviously a person of color, then you shouldn't say it in front of people who you assume to be Caucasian, even in "jest." 12/
Many of us harbor implicit biases without ever displaying overt racism. By becoming aware of our own implicit biases and actively resisting them, we can avoid perpetuating harmful racist stereotypes and prejudices. 13/
