Reacting To Representations This Week's Online Exercise
Reacting To Representationsthis Weeksonlineexercise Involves Learni
Reacting to representations This week's online exercise involves learning about implicit bias and taking Harvard's Implicit Association Test. You should complete the assignment in three parts. 1) I want you to start this week's assignment by gaining a firm understanding of implicit bias and its impact on our lives. First, read the Kirwan Institute's article on understanding implicit bias. Next, read/listen to these two news stories about implicit bias: "How the Concept of Implicit Bias Came Into Being" ; "Bias Isn't Just a Police Problem, It's a Preschool Problem". Finally, I want you to read the advice column "White Skin, Black Emojis?" 2) Now that you know more about the concept of implicit bias and the manner in which it can present itself, I want you to take two Implicit Association Tests : those labeled "Race IAT" and "Gender-Career IAT." Harvard scientists created the IAT to judge conscious versus unconscious judgments. Why study one's own perceptions? Because willingness and ability to judge one's perceptions accurately are sometimes at odds. For example: A four-pack-daily smoker may report smoking only two. Why? â—¦ Unwilling to answer accurately due to embarrassment â—¦ Unable to answer accurately due to true belief that he/she smokes only two packs per day How IATs work: â—¦ A series of facial images of people featuring different characteristics is presented with words with "good" or "bad" qualities. â—¦ Based on reactions and timed responses, the test supposedly reveals your unconscious association with different identities. â—¦ These associations, while often not recognized explicitly for one of the above reasons, reflect implicit judgments that exist within all of us. 3) After digesting this week's readings and taking both tests, you should post responses to the following questions here. Questions to be answered 1. Did the NPR stories you listened to change your views on bias? If so, how? 2. Does using emojis designed to represent a specific race make you uncomfortable? Why or why not? 3. Can you think of a situation where it would be appropriate to use an emoji with a different skin tone than your own ... or will this always be seen as problematic? 4. Let me know the results of your IATs and tell me if you believe they are accurate? Explain why or why not? 5. To what extent do you believe exposure to popular culture, in all its forms, has impacted your perspective on the associations queried? Provide at least one example of popular culture that affected (or failed to affect) your perspective in your response. 6. (Optional) Do you believe the IAT methodology is valid? Why or why not? NOTE: To satisfactorily complete this assignment, your response should be at least 500 words. Please mention the results of your IATs, so that I know you took both tests. If you do not mention your results, you will not receive full credit.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The exploration of implicit bias is a crucial aspect of understanding societal inequalities and personal perceptions. This week’s assignment centered on gaining insight into how unconscious biases influence our attitudes and behaviors, particularly through Harvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT), alongside readings and media stories that provided context to these subconscious prejudices. The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the assigned materials, discuss personal reactions to these resources, analyze test results, and evaluate the broader implications of implicit bias in society.
Understanding Implicit Bias
The Kirwan Institute’s article on implicit bias elucidated that these unconscious prejudices are automatic associations rooted in societal stereotypes. These biases are pervasive and influence decisions and perceptions without conscious awareness, impacting various realms such as employment, law enforcement, education, and interpersonal interactions (Nosek et al., 2007). The news stories “How the Concept of Implicit Bias Came Into Being” and “Bias Isn’t Just a Police Problem, It’s a Preschool Problem” underscored that implicit biases are not confined to specific sectors but are embedded in everyday contexts, shaping societal norms and individual attitudes.
The advice column “White Skin, Black Emojis?” further highlighted the sensitive nature of representing race through digital symbols. The use of emojis containing different skin tones can be viewed as a reflection of societal diversity; however, it can also evoke discomfort or accusations of cultural appropriation depending on context and intent.
Reactions to Media and Cultural Influence
Listening to the NPR stories, my perspective on bias deepened, particularly regarding the universality of implicit prejudices. Initially, I believed bias stemmed mainly from overt racism or prejudice, but these stories illuminated how subtle, automatic associations form part of every individual’s perceptual framework. They challenged me to recognize my implicit biases and appreciate the societal factors reinforcing them (Greenwald & Banaji, 2019).
Regarding emojis representing different races, I find that their use can be both celebratory and problematic. For example, using a darker emoji skin tone in a multicultural conversation can convey inclusivity and respect. However, I also recognize that misuse or overemphasis on such representations can sometimes reduce complex identities to mere symbols, potentially perpetuating stereotypes or feeling performative rather than genuine.
One situation where a different skin-toned emoji might be appropriate is when communicating with someone of a different racial background, especially if they have expressed comfort with racialized symbols, or in an educational context highlighting diversity. Nevertheless, such uses should be contextually sensitive and authentic, avoiding commodification or tokenism.
Reflections on the IAT Results
I completed both the “Race IAT” and “Gender-Career IAT.” My Race IAT showed a slight automatic preference for White over Black individuals, aligning with societal stereotypes I have internalized over time. The Gender-Career IAT indicated a mild association favoring men for career roles, reflecting traditional gender norms. I believe these results are reasonably accurate, given my conscious efforts to challenge stereotypes and my awareness of societal influences. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that the IAT reflects automatic associations, which may not directly translate to personal beliefs or behaviors.
The IAT results prompted self-reflection concerning the discrepancy between conscious attitudes and unconscious biases. While I consciously value equality and diversity, my implicit biases reveal the residual stereotypes ingrained through societal norms and media portrayals.
Impact of Popular Culture
Exposure to popular culture has significantly influenced my perceptions. For example, movies and television shows often portray women in subordinate roles compared to men, reinforcing gender stereotypes that subtly persist in my subconscious. Conversely, media representations of diverse characters in recent decades have challenged and broadened my understanding of racial and cultural identities, supporting a more inclusive perspective.
An example of positive influence was the portrayal of strong, multifaceted female characters in recent Hollywood films, which helped diminish stereotypical views about women’s roles. Conversely, some advertisements and movies continue to depict racial stereotypes, demonstrating that popular culture can also reinforce biases if not critically engaged with.
Validity of the IAT Methodology
The validity of the IAT methodology is a matter of ongoing debate. Critics argue that the test’s results may be influenced by contextual factors, such as participants’ familiarity with the testing format or their motivation to respond accurately (Hekkanen et al., 2020). Nonetheless, many scholars contend that the IAT provides valuable insights into automatic associations that overshadow conscious beliefs (Nosek et al., 2007). My view is that while it is a useful tool for revealing subconscious biases, it should be part of a broader framework of bias mitigation efforts rather than a definitive measure of personal prejudice.
Conclusion
Overall, this week’s exploration of implicit bias, media representations, and the IAT has enhanced my understanding of how subconscious prejudices operate and influence societal dynamics. Recognizing these biases is vital for fostering self-awareness and promoting more equitable interactions. Though the IAT is informative, its results should be interpreted carefully, considering the complex nature of implicit associations. Exposure to diverse media has helped challenge stereotypes, but continuous reflection and education are essential steps toward reducing bias.