The 2014 book Blindspot suggests that every one of us carries unconscious bias. Our bias is shaped by our family of origin, social groups, culture, and community.
These “blindspots” affect our perceptions, decisions, and actions. Yet, we fail to recognise them. It doesn’t matter what we think our values are, our bias can override our thoughts unless we take extra care.
The authors argue that we must name and remain consistently attentive to our bias.
For them, it is the only way we will treat people equitably. Without conscious action, we will discriminate and exclude. We will undermine our aspirations in every area of life.
The authors developed a set of tests. These tests can help us find the biases sitting beneath what we believe about ourselves. The tests assess how quickly we connect concepts like race, gender, age, or religion with positive or negative evaluations.
It was tough to read their view that we can never fully end unconscious bias. Instead, we must repeatedly remind ourselves how our brains are wired. We must consciously adjust our behaviour.
When I took some of the tests, I found myself initially feeling quite comfortable. But then a few challenges appeared. The tests suggested there were factors that could lead me to prefer one person over another. I was like everyone else. My subconscious had a hold on me. My biases were not based in rational patterns. They had nothing to do with theology or politics. I needed to think how they might be shaping my everyday living.
Shortly afterwards I was in a professional gathering. My inner voice was saying, “I don’t really warm to you!” I paused and recognised that they were in a group that I carried a hidden bias towards. I said “shhhh” to that voice and made an extra effort to be attentive to the person. A little while later, I was assessing a draft policy. I skim read it and thought, “yep, that’s okay!” but because of that research I spent more time on it, deliberately. There were a few things I had missed which needed attention.
Every one of us has biases and, without care and attention, we will exclude people. We need to be aware of the limits of our vision on inclusivity. We need to choose to be different.
A simple example: in my family of origin, tattoos and earrings were frowned upon. I know that seems strange. When I realised that I could be judgemental about them I trained myself to be different. I looked to see the beauty in the body art whoever was wearing it. I’m really pretty good at that now and I’ve heard some wonderful stories.
But I am always careful. If there is a wisp of judgement in my mind, I say to myself: ‘be different, be open, celebrate what you’re seeing’.
Saint Paul told the small church in the region of Galatia that there are no distinctions between people. No matter a person’s origin, if they profess the Christian faith, they are equal with every other church member. His teaching was, “we are all one in Christ.”
We see the effects of rampant discrimination in our world. We can also see people with power wishing to discriminate. Their use of power and greed is corrupt.
Jesus showed his close friends how to move beyond cultural, gender, sexual, and race discrimination. He entered into authentic conversation and found joy outside of the strict social conventions of his day.
As people of faith, or simply as good human beings, we are called to bring these hidden places into the light, not with shame, but with the desire to see everyone flourish.
I hope that we can all recognise without shame or stigma that we have bias and be open to addressing them. I hope that we can delight in the overwhelming beauty in God’s creation of people. I hope we can consciously embrace inclusion as a good practice. It reflects the heart of a loving God and the highest ideals of humanity.
Shared with God’s love as you make your best way through life.
+Peter
The book: Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
