05/29/2020
As human beings, we all have or experience values based implicit bias – those “isms” that are based on experience or perceptions that lead to stereotypes and often drive conflict. Conflict with those whose own implicit biases are in opposition to our own “isms" occur when we believe our values are threatened or challenged.
For most of a decade now, we have been living in a society entrenched in “ism" warfare. Liberal vs. Conservative, Religious vs. Non-Religious, Republican vs. Democrat, Boomer vs. Millennial, Black vs. White, Gay vs. Straight, etc.. The purveyance of social media and tabloid journalism only serves to feed this beast. Click-bait and shocking headlines thrive on our willingness to fall prey to statements intended to fire us up and keep us divided because that is where the money is.
The only way we can, on an individual basis, stop perpetuating the problem is to first, look inward. What are your implicit biases? Are these based on personal experience, or are they based on perception? If they are based on experience, what is it about the experience that formulated the bias? Is it an experience that was replicated time and again, or was it an experience that simply validated your preconceived perceptions? If the bias or stereotype is based on perception, how was the perception developed? Was it from repeated things you’ve seen on television, in movies, on the news, or on social media? Is it a perception shared by your circle of influence (e.g. family, friends, religious affiliation, occupational group, etc.)? Why does this perception have meaning to you? In what way does it feed the stereotype or bias you have? How does it impact your actions? Are those actions constructive or destructive to you, your relationships, or others?
Self-analysis makes us self-aware and helps us pinpoint the source of our angst. It helps us determine appropriate actions to take. It takes away the flashpoint and allows reason to prevail.
The second way we can stop perpetuating the problem is to stop listening to the noise, and stop the practice of forwarding click-bait. When you see or hear an “us vs. them” story, look for the source and ask what is the motive? Where is the money trail leading? Who benefits? Ask if the story is furthering your own bias and perceptions, or is it helping you see another’s point of view? Is the story true, false or misleading? How is this helping you grow as a person? How does this story help your community or the world? Is this story going to solve a problem or make someone’s life better? If action is needed, how best can you apply your skills to help solve the problem in a meaningful and constructive way?
If we apply a little critical thinking to the things we see and hear before we send them on, make them viral, or add fuel to a fire, maybe we can stem the tide of negativity flowing through our society. At the very least, we will not continue to fan the flames of discontent.
