

399: Jennifer L. Eberhardt | The Science of Why We're Biased
Sep 3, 2020
Jennifer L. Eberhardt, a Stanford University psychology professor, dives into the fascinating world of bias. She reveals how our brains create and maintain biases, and why they can alter our perceptions. Eberhardt discusses the contagious nature of bias and its roots in evolution, exploring its impact on society and individuals alike. She also shares strategies for recognizing and mitigating our own biases, shedding light on the systemic implications they bring, particularly in areas like law enforcement and hiring practices.
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Early Bias
- Jennifer Eberhardt's five-year-old son saw the only Black man on a plane and worried he would rob it.
- This highlights how early bias can form, even in children of color, despite upbringing.
Bias Learned From Adults
- Children's biases aren't solely from media; they observe adult reactions and behaviors.
- Eberhardt's older son noticed people avoiding a Black man in a store, interpreting it as fear.
Self-Profiling
- A Black undercover police officer profiled a "suspicious" man.
- He was shocked to realize he'd been profiling his own reflection in a mirrored window.