What differs Unconscious Bias from Racism?
In short the key point from reading Howard Ross’s observation of bias is that we are all humans
and in one way or another we deal with bias on a daily basis. But the most important point is
how to identify and overcome different forms of bias in order to promote inclusivity in work and
personal relationships. I could not help but to make links between the points being discussed by
Howard Ross and look at real life examples in our current political season.
Here are a few of my takeaways in response to the ongoing political discussions:
The main resurfacing thought I had throughout this reading was what is the difference between
unconscious bias and racism especially in the wake of Donald Trump and all his destructive
comments. Could it be that he is not aware of his bias? If so, as mentioned in the article it is
important to make him understand of his bias and then drive to overcome it. Also, it is important
not to drive focus on guilt, but to navigate towards owning responsibility (Ross, page 5).
Perhaps the front-runner, his support party, and all his followers have fallen into what Ross
prefers to as “Commitment Confirmation/Loss Aversion” (Ross, page 11). Whatever the case,
these are traits of bias and there needs to be an urgency to address it. Unconscious bias is a less
developed form of racism, and many non–extreme trump supporters come up with excuses
on a daily basis to dismiss his racism. Merriam-Webster defines racism as “a belief that race
is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an
