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We Do See Color

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BiasSync

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Think you’re an enlightened individual who doesn’t see race?

Think again.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Research shows that the idea of being “colorblind” regarding race and ethnicity is an increasingly popular notion -- especially with young people who think racism is mostly a problem for the older generation.

In fact, according to a 2014 study by MTV and David Binder Research, nearly 70% of millennials consider themselves colorblind.

It’s a nice thought. Unfortunately, our subconscious bias is a bit more complicated than that.

Truth is, the moment we meet someone, we instantly notice the color of their skin -- and without even thinking about it, we immediately make assumptions about that person based upon our subconscious racial biases. It’s automatic.

“Our actions are determined much more by what we’re unaware of than what we’re aware of.” Dr. Mark Goulston, Psychiatrist

No, that doesn’t mean everyone’s a racist. And it certainly doesn’t make you a bad person.

But in order to overcome negative racial perceptions and stereotypes, it’s important to really understand how our subconscious bias works -- and how it profoundly influences our attitudes. Behavior. Even body language.

For most people, the key to reducing racism isn’t being blind to skin color. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

When you begin recognizing your subconscious biases toward race, you can start to question their validity -- and start making more conscious, informed choices.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

To judge someone based on the content of their character, rather than the color of their skin. That should be automatic for humans, but it isn’t.

Making race and gender irrelevant is a conscious choice.

BiasSync. Our purpose is to create more fair and respectful workplaces. For more information on BiasSync – training, unconscious bias assessments and measurements - visit: BiasSync.com

Updated: 09/2019

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