Written by Alex Rodriguez
In this world, we are governed by an invisible social contract, something which we all agree
upon in our subconscious mind. The subconscious mind, in other words, carries influence while being unaware: this includes thoughts, dreams, opinions, fears, etc. Each brought up with a different set of values, we humans, navigate this world in the ways we see fit. As people grow older, they break apart like the branches of a tree, each person developing their own unique set of ideals, morals and values. Evidently enough, there are behaviors and perceptions that make their way into the long list of views that shape the way we view the world. This phenomenon is known as implicit bias, otherwise known as unconscious bias.
The same way learned behaviors influence our actions in our daily lives - our unconscious bias plays a role in how we view and contribute to the world. Growing up, we are taught to not touch the hot stove or we risk being burned, therefore we gain the knowledge that touching a hot stove holds potentially dangerous consequences. The same thing goes for any aspect of life; you can be taught something over and over but until you don’t experience it first-hand, you won’t know how it truly affects you. Therefore, small instances, as such, often stack on top of each other, creating the filing cabinet of knowledge we store in our brains. However, learned associations go much further than the previous small-scale example.
Unfortunately, an individual’s perceptions and attitudes are shaped to a much greater and hindering scale. Many have heard the expression that a young child’s brain is similar to a sponge in that it absorbs anything and everything it gets a hold of. This absorption of information with no perceived barriers substantially influences how a child views aspects of the world for the foreseeable future. Moreover, other factors such as media consumption, cultural conditioning, upbringing, friends and family arguably hold the most influence on one’s opinions and beliefs of what is acceptable. Here’s where things get tricky. Some of these opinions become racially motivated, or aimed at another particular social group of people. Hence, now implanting the seed of bias into one’s mind. Keep in mind, as stated above, opinions are heavily influenced by friends and family and so it can be argued that they might not even be fully intended. One minuscule action can set forth a domino effect of implications that continue to add on to one another.
Most commonly, implications may start as small as stereotypes against the marginalized group. For example, locking the door of your car as a black man walks across, or making jokes about someone’s accent. Now the toxic mentality has been set into motion, implanting small pockets of subjective information onto one another; further impacting the views of the people around us. Now, these seemingly harmless stereotypes have become the reality for the person it is being told to. Common clichés from these minor actions include the black man being the perpetrator of society and shall not be trusted. Once let out onto the world, these actions cannot be taken back. Implicit bias, however, is devastating to the group it is actively working against. When seen in masses, the lack of awareness of these biases massively hinder the life experiences of those who it impacts; this ranges from gender, culture and race – particularly minority groups. A clear challenge is presented to the minority groups, creating invisible obstacles: including wage gaps, healthcare, and disproportionate poverty rates. Otherwise, one may have not even thought such obstacles existed.
A study of implicit bias conducted by Harvard University, aimed to showcase one's preferences to a particular race. Its findings were quite interesting, showing that true discrepancies exist among the universal mentality of most people. Therefore, setting the basis for what seems to be a possible root for the unfavorable conditions many minorities are put through based on their skin color, gender, ethnicity and so on. It showed that the mass majority of people fell between two categories: either strong or moderate automatic preference for European Americans compared to African Americans (24% Strong preference, and 27% Moderate preference). The study was performed quite easily. Each individual would take a short association quiz on their computer or mobile device. This was done by assigning two keys on the keyboard with either the word “Good” or “Bad”. Then, a series of words would appear on the screen and as quickly as possible the test taker would press the key corresponding with “Good” or “Bad” in relation to the word (for example, disgusting would be “Bad” and amazing would be a “Good” word) to familiarize an individual with the keys. Once this is done, a certain key will be associated as good and the other bad. Next, the quiz asks the participant to categorize African American and European American individuals with the same keys; now, the two keys either represent one race or the other. As fast as they can, the participant must distinguish and categorize the pictures that appear of either race. Lastly, the following test is a series of images that show African American features and faces, and the same goes for European Americans. Now, the quiz asks you to press the same key that was used for the “Good” words for categorizing Europeans and the “Bad” key for African Americans; then the keys switch. If an individual selects the “Bad” key for African American photos even after the key has now switched to “Good”, it shows that they implicitly recognized the African American photo as “bad”.
The results showed that only 18% of the participants showed little to no automatic preference for a selective race; in other words, equality. But what does this mean? Although one may not actively be a biased person or acting in ways that exhibit biases, the implicit bias still remains dormant in one’s mind. Keep in mind, previously mentioned, a bias is often inherited and is a learned behaviour– meaning the same way you have learned it growing up, you can actively work to unlearn it as new information presents itself and employing an open mindset.
Now, it is clear that some form of implicit bias exists in the majority of people, but does it actually play a role in an individual's life? The short answer is yes, it absolutely does. Although bias itself is not the sole cause of these discrepancies, it is irresponsible to say that it doesn’t play a part.
Previously discussed in the implicit bias association test, it is dangerous because the ability of your bias to overrule any sense of morality, disrupts any supposed balance that we have amongst people. At an economic stance, minorities are struggling at a disproportionate rate and continue to do so. At its core, money is what rules the world and minorities simply fall short of it quite frequently. As an underprivileged group of people in society, minorities fall into the same cycle of trying to make it in this world endlessly seeking a way to support oneself like everyone else. However, as those who have opportunity continue to thrive the disenfranchised continue to fall farther behind. How are you expected to compete when you haven't been given the same opportunities, let alone catch up at the same rate? “It does not come as a surprise that poverty rates among African American and Hispanic minorities in the United States, 24.3% and 20.8% respectively, were between 2.5 and 3 times higher than among Whites (8.3%) in 2006” (Gradín).
Seen time to time again, minority groups struggle to keep up with their white counterparts
economically. Where does the implicit bias come in? Unfortunately, it being such a universal
phenomenon, it impacts employers too. In instances where marginalized groups are struggling, the obvious solution is to seek work to make up for the lack of income. Again, we run into another wall made of the same bricks. In a two-year study done by Business Administration Professors at Harvard Business School, it was found that “companies are more than twice as likely to call minority applicants for interviews if they submit whitened resumes than candidates who reveal their race.” (Kang, Sonia, et al.). Thus, this begins an endless cycle of systemic racism; the very system kept in place to help you is now working against you because of constant repetition. As an employee you expect the same courtesy from supervisors that is given to everyone; as a minority, getting a seat at the table could possibly never come.
A culture so normalized, that many live their lives in ignorant bliss without any qualms on attempting to change it. As an under privileged group, you are held back by the metaphorical chains that were created by the same people in power who held you back long ago. Now in the year 2020, when things are supposedly different, the only difference is the injustices have become a part of an unjust culture which people don’t realize they are constantly contributing towards.
To this day, racial bias continues to thrive, further limiting opportunities for minorities and people of color all across the board. Obviously, when left without a job, poverty is soon to strike. Interestingly enough, “approximately one quarter of all spells of poverty begin with a loss of income for the head of household or spouse…” (Stevens). The same study states that, “thirty-six percent of individuals return to poverty within four years of ending a spell. Among households headed by African Americans or single females, rates of re-entry [into poverty] within four years are 46 to 50 percent.” Although it isn’t far-fetched to say that the discussed argument is representative of the lives of all minorities, it is the definite reality for quite a few. It is also important to say that many have this irrational view of discrimination, where if it isn’t violent and extreme acts of hate towards a marginalized group then it does not exist. This thought process is far from the truth because obstacles that block the upward mobility of these minorities stem from that same violent past in which they originated. A watered-down version of discrimination is still discrimination regardless of whether you are aware or it or not. Fortunately, fewer and fewer drops make their way down the stream, but never forget that poison (in this case, discrimination) is still lethal in small doses. Discrimination; however, is nothing new. Afterall, minorities are considered a minority for a reason and the word itself stems from an area of disadvantage.
The problem comes when people refuse to see it beyond laziness or not working for it. The cold hard truth is, Black and Hispanic people continue to work twice as hard for half as much. Furthermore, the struggle of minorities is visible on the hot topic of many peoples’ current news, COVID-19. Although the most recent example is COVID-19, discrepancies in the healthcare system significantly impact minorities. It is no secret that healthcare is expensive in the United States of America: or if covered, the health insurance that covers the cost is equally as costly. Many countries continue to advocate for free healthcare, but as a citizen of the United States where it is not, the detriments can be seen firsthand. Great strides have been made towards a more affordable form of healthcare, one cannot deny, – such as the Affordable Care Act which aims to provide affordable insurance opportunities to “individuals/families with income between 133-400% of the federal poverty level [ $19,530 for a family of three]” (KFF) - but much of it is being reversed under the new presidential administration of Donald Trump.
Referring back to COVID-19, with everything mentioned above it is no surprise that minority groups are once again being disproportionately impacted by the virus. In this current instance, however, an often forgotten about minority is being largely affected, American Indian and/or Alaska Natives. In the United States, they are “five times as likely to be impacted by the virus compared to non-Hispanic White persons”(CDC). Following them is, you guessed it, Black and Hispanic/Latino persons who are “5 times as likely and 4 times as likely than their non-Hispanic White counterparts, respectively” (CDC).
To put things into perspective, what makes it that these groups are the ones that become disproportionately impacted? Besides the plethora of setbacks previously discussed, it is important to note that whether or not the bias affects all minorities within that group, a tower can only handle so much weight until it crumbles. The most disturbing part of it all is that there is no single root problem that we can trace these disparities back to. There is no simple solution or one size fits all that stops the discrimination from happening. Still, is that reason for not trying? One problem leads to the other and so on, until there are so many setbacks that you cannot even remember where you started from to begin with. The dominos are set back in motion, so when one falls, they all start to fall. A study done by Bradley University shows that “21% of Hispanic people and 24% of African Americans live below the national poverty line, making the connection between the lack of access to educational resources and poorer health outcomes for racial minorities clear.” (An Examination of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care). The study continues to point out that there is “no single factor can be pointed to as a cause definitively, [but] examining how each factor likely influences and sustains the problem of racial disparities in health care is useful.” As the superior group continues to move upwards, simultaneously, the minority group continues to fall deeper into the cracks. Thus, it is no surprise to see that minority groups, such as the Alaskan Natives, African Americans and the indigenous have taken the heaviest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that it is preferable to battle it out in your own home does not come off as surprising. The comfort of a hospital with pain medication and assisted oxygen treated will only set you back farther than you already were as the debt of being treated will be immense. As opportunities, like the Affordable Care Act begin to be erased, the challenge to survive only becomes increasingly difficult, especially for the minorities.
With all of this being said, the problems in the world are much less, ironically, black and white as we make them out to be. Poor? Get a job. Sick? Get healthcare? With this simple-minded mentality of just getting things done, it undermines the complete and utter struggle that is put up with in the hands of minorities when it comes to these otherwise simple tasks. Although healthcare, jobs, and income seem like the most basic of necessities, obstacles that stem from the initial implicit bias discussed, block these seemingly easily acquirable assets. Constant barriers and shields such as policing, education housing, incarceration, etc. continue being a persistent drawback for people of color but that's a story for another day.
At base level, simply acknowledging that these problems exist and putting your best foot forward is enough. So, what can you do? In a time where doing everything seems impossible, simply speak up. Educate yourself beyond this article post to get a full understanding of how your world works. As a person who is of minority descent, I sit comfortably where I am in life. This does not however exclude discrimination from making its way towards me. As someone who profits from not directly experiencing bias, it is mine and others duty to differentiate what is right and what is wrong. I can live comfortably in the United States as a Hispanic male, simply because I learned English at a young age.
These small but crucial assets play a large role in whether you would get the same treatment as the next person to walk in a room. Finally, keep yourself responsible. Seek out knowledge. As an educated individual, it is more likely that you can steer away from bias and make decisions based on what you know, not what you were taught. Look back at the motivations behind your actions and reflect on whether or not they were truly genuine. It is not your fault if you taught discriminatory beliefs and values, but it is your fault if you continue to uphold and act upon them. Be aware of the fact that biases such as implicit bias and stereotypes exist and that you may be victim to it.
The world has enough turmoil as it is, don’t let yourself become part of the problem simply because you refuse to acknowledge that your mentality may be flawed. That’s the point of actively trying to become a better person and not letting your implicit bias rule your actions for you. One small change within could result in one large change for many more people out there, and it starts with you.
Work Cited
· “COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups.” Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 June 2020,
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/racial-ethnic-
minorities.html.
· Gradín , Carlos. “Poverty among Minorities in the United States: Explaining the
Racial Poverty Gap for Blacks and Latinos .” Http://Www.ecineq.org/, Oct. 2008,
www.ecineq.org/milano/WP/ECINEQ2008-96.pdf.
· “Minorities Who 'Whiten' Job Resumes Get More Interviews.” HBS Working
Knowledge, Harvard Business School, 17 May 2017, hbswk.hbs.edu/item/minorities-
who-whiten-job-resumes-get-more-interviews.
· Kang, Sonia, et al. “Whitened Résumés: Race and Self-Presentation in the Labor
Market.” Administrative Science Quarterly, 22 Jan. 2016, www-
2.rotman.utoronto.ca/facbios/file/Whitening%20MS%20R2%20Accepted.pdf.
· Stevens, Ann Huff. “Transitions into & out of Poverty in the United States.” UC
Davis Center for Poverty Research, poverty.ucdavis.edu/policy-brief/transitions-out-
poverty-united-states.
· “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care.” Bradley University Online, 18 Sept.
2019, onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/an-examination-of-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-
health-care/.
· “Summary of the Affordable Care Act.” KFF, 17 Dec. 2018, www.kff.org/health-
reform/fact-sheet/summary-of-the-affordable-care-act/.
About the Author
Alex Rodriguez is an upcoming junior wanting to focus on something he’s truly passionate about. Some of his interests include roller skating, swimming, art and a love for medicine. A goal of his is to make people step back and take a second look at the world around us- to shed light on the voices that tend to be overshadowed.
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