Intelligence Squared Jennifer Eberhardt and Razia Iqbal on the Psychology of Racial Bias
May 17, 2019
In a compelling discussion, Jennifer Eberhardt, a Stanford Social Psychologist and author of Biased, joins BBC's Razia Iqbal to unpack the psychology of racial bias. They explore how biases are unconsciously formed, starting from childhood, and the critical need for open conversations about these issues. Eberhardt highlights the transformative power of education in prisons, the legacy of leaders like Barack Obama, and the influence of figures like W.E. Du Bois on understanding racial responsibility. This insightful dialogue sheds light on confronting systemic prejudices.
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Son's Plane Story
- Jennifer Eberhardt's five-year-old son saw a Black man on a plane and said he looked like his father.
- He then expressed fear that the man might rob the plane, revealing early exposure to racial stereotypes.
Childhood Move and Facial Recognition
- Eberhardt had difficulty distinguishing white faces after moving to a predominantly white neighborhood.
- Her brain needed time to adapt, highlighting how lack of exposure can affect perception.
Unconscious Bias vs. Racism
- Unconscious bias affects everyone, not just hateful individuals.
- Scientists define it as beliefs and feelings about social groups, unconsciously influencing decisions and actions.
