Becoming Conscious of Unconscious Bias: Contemplative practice to deepen respect and inclusion

TL;DR

Learn about unconscious bias and its impact on decision-making, and gain practical strategies for becoming aware of and addressing biases to create a more inclusive work environment.

Transcript

stanford university welcome to the 2020 contemplation by design summit i'm dr tia rich and it's a pleasure to be with you in community for this session in our second day of the summit it is an honor and pleasure to introduce you to this session speaker dr nagali fazioto is associate in faculty development and diversity at stanford university school... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Biases are formed through personal experiences, media influences, and stereotypes, and can affect decision-making and behaviors.
• ❓ Unconscious biases are automatic associations and judgments that occur without our awareness, impacting interactions and perpetuating discrimination.
• 🙂 Microaggressions are everyday slights and insults that can communicate hostile messages to marginalized individuals, requiring supportive action and awareness.
• 🥰 Building inclusive communities involves creating environments where diverse voices are heard, promoting an open and respectful space for ideas, and addressing bias through active bystander intervention.
• 👾 Reflection on personal social identities and their impact on interactions can help create more inclusive and equitable spaces.
• ❓ Promoting diversity and inclusion requires centering the voices of marginalized individuals, fostering diverse representation, and challenging biased hiring and promotion practices.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is unconscious bias?

Unconscious bias refers to the automatic associations and judgments we make based on limited information and stereotypes, influencing our decisions and behaviors without our awareness.

Q: How can biases be activated?

Biases can be activated in situations of stress, time constraints, multitasking, or when a need for closure arises. Our brains use biases as cognitive shortcuts to conserve energy.

Q: How can we become aware of our biases?

Engage in self-reflection, take implicit association tests, and seek out opportunities to explore your biases. Educate yourself on biases and their impact on individuals and society.

Q: How can microaggressions be addressed?

Acknowledge intent but focus on the impact of the behavior. Support the target of the microaggression, make the offender aware of their behavior, and work towards systemic changes to prevent bias.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Unconscious bias is a cognitive shortcut used by our brain to make quick decisions, but it can lead to biased judgments and behaviors.

• Our biases are influenced by various factors such as media, personal experiences, and stereotypes.

• Biases can impact hiring practices, patient care, and everyday interactions, leading to inequities and discrimination.