Implicit Bias | Jennefer Witter | TEDxCMSV

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Implicit Bias

Implicit bias is an unconscious bias rooted in our DNA and influenced by our experiences from a young age.
It affects our perceptions and behaviors towards others based on characteristics like race, gender, weight, and language.
Unlike racism, implicit bias is unintentional and based on ignorance rather than fear or hatred.
There are no laws to control implicit bias, leading to unchecked consequences.

Overweight women lose 6% in income compared to those within the accepted body weight range.
Individuals with black-sounding names have to send out 15 resumes to get a response, while those with white-sounding names only need to send out 10.
Black-sounding names receive 10% fewer callbacks for job applications compared to white-sounding names.
Implicit racial bias in healthcare leads to diagnostic uncertainty and inadequate explanations of health problems for black patients.
Black patients often receive inadequate pain management due to the bias against their pain tolerance.

Identifying and acknowledging our biases is crucial.
The Harvard Implicit Association Test can help individuals understand their biases related to race, gender, and sexuality.
Changing our thinking patterns and avoiding jumping to conclusions about individuals can promote a more level playing field and reduce the impact of implicit bias.
Implicit bias training in companies can help create a diverse and skilled workforce.

Jennifer Witter: CEO of the Borland Group, discusses implicit bias and its consequences.
Dr. J. Marion Sims: Known as the father of modern gynecology, performed gynecological surgeries on enslaved women without anesthesia, claiming they did not feel pain.
Dr. Lisa Blackwell: A Harvard-trained physician who experienced poor patient-centered care and inadequate communication from healthcare providers during her medical emergency.