Our minds may have hidden parts that we are not aware of, as seen in the case of Karen and her new hand that acts independently.
Implicit bias is a deeply ingrained aspect of our behavior, influenced by cultural messages, and can be countered through active recognition and challenging of biases.
Deep dives
The Consequences of Epilepsy Surgery
Karen undergoes a serious operation to treat her epilepsy, which leads to her experiencing a new hand with a mind of its own. The hand acts independently, sometimes getting angry and hitting her. Through this experience, Karen realizes there are distinct parts of herself in her brain.
The Influence of Culture on Behavior
Karen believes her new hand wants her to be more moral and enforces cultural norms by punishing her when she deviates from them. This experience makes Karen reflect on how deeply cultural messages have penetrated her. She finds it troubling and becomes aware of the power culture has in influencing behavior.
Implicit Bias and its Effects on Behavior
Psychologists explore the concept of implicit bias, which refers to the unconscious stereotypes and biases that shape our behavior. Through studies using implicit bias tests, researchers have found that people can hold biases they are not aware of, and these biases can affect their actions and relationships.
Unlearning Biased Concepts
Psychologists are developing strategies to counter implicit bias and change biased concepts. Techniques like stereotype replacement, detect-reflect-reject, and alternative responses can help individuals recognize and challenge their biases. However, changing biased concepts is a complex and ongoing process that requires consistent effort and awareness.
Is there a part of ourselves that we don't acknowledge, that we don't even have access to and that might make us ashamed if we encountered it? We begin with a woman whose left hand takes instructions from a different part of her brain. It hits her, and knocks cigarettes out of her hand and makes her wonder: who is issuing the orders? Is there some other "me"in there I don't know about? We then ask this question about one of the central problems of our time: racism. Scientific research has shown that even well meaning people operate with implicit bias - stereotypes and attitudes we are not fully aware of that nonetheless shape our behavior towards people of color. We examine the Implicit Association Test, a widely available psychological test that popularized the notion of implicit bias. And we talk to people who are tackling the question, critical to so much of our behavior: what does it take to change these deeply embedded concepts? Can it even be done?
