How do we end racism, bigotry and bias in our personal lives and in the workplace?

May Snowden of Snowden and Associates, Inc., a leading expert in creating cultures of diversity and inclusion shares some deep insights into how to do it.

Here are some of the insights we discussed.

What is Prejudice? (Pre-judge) It is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience about a particular group. It is formed without adequate prior knowledge, thought, or reason. A prejudice can be positive or negative. Bias has a similar meaning: an inflexible predisposition to see certain things, events or category of people in a certain way (positive or negative based on their appearance, group kinships, or differences from you). Prejudice often relies on stereotypes, which are a set of oversimplified images, statements, and generalizations applied to a whole group of people, without regard for the individual. Stereotypes are often unconscious beliefs about a group of people. Then the stereotype is often applied to individual members. A belief that ALL members of the group match the stereotype. Prejudice, Bias, and Stereotypes are an internal belief. They are mental prejudgment, positive or negative, made about an individual. It’s not until you act it out in speech and behavior that others receive the impact.

SIMPLIFIED, FIXED BELIEFS OR JUDGMENTS ABOUT A GROUP OF PEOPLE

Who has it? Everyone – We all have an “affinity bias”. A definite preference for doing things the way we like to do them. And a tendency to warm up to or be comfortable with people like ourselves. No one is immune from bias.

Where did it come from? They are Taught. No one is born prejudiced or biased. Family, Friends, Culture of Origin, Churches, Teachers, People of Influence in our lives, Media, Magazines, Movies, Past Experiences, Books, etc.

What is Racism and How does it inform our Prejudice? Racism comes from the belief that race is equated with particular traits and capabilities. A belief that some races are superior to others. A belief that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Scientists and anthropologists have noted that race is a social construct, not a biological one.

What are the benefits and detriments/disadvantages of being prejudice?

What is Discrimination? Discrimination means Action. Treating a group of people unfairly because of a prejudice against them.

How can we overcome Prejudice? Assess your own Biases, keep yourself accountable for the following 4Es:
•Exposure
•Experience
•Education
•Empathy