~Bias: Sometimes We Just Don’t See It~

In the current issue of Harper’s Magazine there is a small chart showing the analogies created by a computer. Researchers at Boston University and Microsoft analyzed 30,000 words in Google articles for gender bias. Here are some of the results (You can read the entire study here):

Woman is to blond as man is to burly

Woman is to housekeeper as man is to shopkeeper

Woman is to sewing as man is to carpentry

Woman is to divas as man is to superstars

Woman is to cupcakes as man is to pizza

Woman is to giggle as man is to chuckle

Woman is to feisty as man is to mild-mannered

Recognizing Bias in Ourselves

No matter how unbiased we believe ourselves to be, every one of us has inherited prejudicial beliefs from our upbringing and our community. As this study shows gender bias is embedded in our very language.

Our personal prejudices affect what we do and do not teach our children about others and how we solve social problems. In this day and age, when truth has become flexible, it has become imperative to teach our students and children how to recognize bias in the media, in what people in power say, and in our daily lives.

Before you can help your children reflect on your own biases, privileges, and disadvantages- ask yourself:

• What was I taught about people who are different from me?
• What biased situations have I experienced? What did I do? How did I feel?
• What people do I feel most comfortable with? …least comfortable?
• What privileges or disadvantages do I have because of my gender, education, economic status, occupation, experiences, age, physical health, race, religion and cultural background? Read Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack for one person’s self-analysis.

Helping Children Recognize Bias

We live in a world were many prejudices exist. No matter what we do our children, will be influenced by what they see and hear. They will see how people treat each other. They will hear ethnic groups and genders put down in jokes. They will notice skin color and racial inequalities. They will see war, militarism, bullying behaviors, and graphic violence on TV and in video games. What should we do?

• Be honest when answering children’s questions about differences.
• Don’t ignore the person in a wheelchair or the toddler’s question about why someone has a different color skin. Talk about it.
• If your child says something hurtful ask, “What made you say that?” Then explain why the comment was unacceptable. Remind them that all people have feelings just as they do.
• Watch television together
• If you see violence being used to solve problems, discuss with your children other things the characters could have done. If you hear a biased joke or statement, point it out. Together with your or students discuss why it would be hurtful.
• Expand your circle of friends
• Introduce your children to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Be an activist role model
• Participate in activities that help others who have suffered discrimination or combat violence and war.

Creating a Non-Biased Environment

Accept the uniqueness of your child. If your child feels good about him or herself, she or he will be less likely to be prejudiced.

Develop sensitivity and compassion. Caring, empathetic children are less likely to be hurtful to others. Read books, such as those recommended in TPN Great Books, that help children understand other’s points of view.

Challenge myths about people who are different with facts. If something doesn’t sound right, together with your child or students research the facts. If using books, be sure to check the qualifications of the author. If using the Internet, be sure to check the article’s author’s background and qualifications, and review her or his sources. Are they accurate? Are they fair?

Use the CRAAP test to determine what bias might be expressed.

More on Addressing Bias

Here are some great books for you to read:

Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgements in Our Daily Life by Howard J. Ross

3 keys to Defeating Unconscious Bias: Watch, Think, Act by Sondra Thiederman

For children, check out our recommended books and resources   https://teachpeacenow.com/bias/ 

What biases do you know you have?

What do you do to fight against them?

We welcome your thoughts and comments.