Understanding Unconscious Bias and Unintentional Racism

Jean Moule, Understanding Unconscious Bias and Unintentional Racism, Phi Delta Kappan, Vol. 90, No. 05, January 2008, pp. 320-326.

Th article takes on the interesting topic of unconsciously acquired biases that manifests itself in effectively racists behaviors--a woman clenching her purse as a black man approaches, etc. The article is convincing, especially in its reliance on some psychological behaviors of humans that rely on grouping and associations--and what seems to be prejudice. The article cites some case study examples demonstrating these points, and concludes that people would be better to make themselves more conscious of their subconscious biases as opposed to trying to make themselves seem apart from them.

I found the article very interesting and very successful in justifying its conclusion. My experience has shown me that these behaviors exist irrespective of race, but rather follow experience or acquired 2nd hand experience. The almost inescapability of the these behaviors' being created demands the attention of teachers especially as they work to teach students to overcome and become these inhibiting biases, while making sure that they do no impart their own biases. We must be more than conscious in this regard.