Lecture Notes: Understanding and Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias

Introduction to Unconscious Bias

• Unconscious Bias Definition:
  • Unconscious beliefs about different groups inconsistent with our conscious values.
  • Also known as implicit bias.

Personal Experience with Bias

• Airport Incident:
  • Encountered bias when a man placed his boarding pass over the speaker’s.
  • Recognized deeper emotional impact due to historical civil rights context.

Early Life and Bias

• Upbringing:
  • Grew up in a multicultural environment, promoting diversity and acceptance.
  • Did not experience feelings of exclusion.

Impact of Travel on Bias Perception

• Travel Experiences:
  • Noticed bias primarily from men in higher boarding groups.
  • Adopted conflict avoidance strategies: avoiding eye contact, minimal conversation.

Professional Opportunities and Challenges

• Global Travel Opportunity:
  • Despite past uncomfortable travel experiences, accepted a global travel project.
  • Faced internal conflict about handling racial prejudice.

Realization and Change

• Self-Reflection:
  • Began to recognize personal unconscious bias.
  • Acknowledged inconsistency with personal and professional values.

Steps Towards Change

• Positive Changes:
  • Started accepting and extending social invitations.
  • Engaged more with others, reducing reliance on protective behaviors.
  • Made eye contact, embraced interactions.

Lessons and Moving Forward

• Handling Negative Experiences:
  • Committed to taking the high road without generalizing from negative experiences.
  • Example of airport incident resolution where the gate attendant corrected the situation.

Broader Reflections on Bias

• Role as Educators:
  • The frustration of being perceived as representatives for a race.
  • Importance of setting a good example.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Education and Acceptance:
  • Unconscious bias is challenged through behavior and interactions.
  • The goal is mutual understanding and acceptance.