September 2009

In preparing this article, I came across a study by Jennifer Richeson an African American social psychologist who teaches at Northwestern University.        Dr. Richeson is known as The Bias Detective and states “… that prejudice is not a trait, like baldness or brown eyes that some have and some don’t. Rather it is a state of mind to which nobody is immune.” For purposes of this article, we will look at excerpts of three areas that have been covered by Dr. Richeson’s research.

Cognitive Affective and Behavioral Dynamics of Interracial Contact- which suggest that increased contact between members of different racial groups can be accompanied by unintended, negative consequences for both whites and racial minorities…in addition to bring a source of stress interracial interaction can also undermine cognitive performance. Studies in this line suggest, furthermore, that self-regulation in order to inhibit or modulate behavior, thoughts and urges, seems to play an important role in the effect of contact on the cognitive performance of white individuals.

Racial Bias Exposure and Mental Health-suggests that experiences with racial bias over time have a cumulative, negative, impact on ethnic minorities’ subjective well-being. Many scholars argue however, that contemporary racial bias has changed, or is thought to be more subtle than more old-fashioned and blatant forms of racial bias and is often unintentional and unconscious. Researchers have only recently begun to consider how these more subtle forms of racial bias and concerns about appearing prejudiced might influence ethnic minorities’ well-being.

Psychological and Physiological Implication of managing a Stigmatized Identity-suggests that racial minorities and members of other low-status groups might not benefit as much from intergroup contact and diversity, compared with members of dominant social groups. It is important to examine stigmatized individuals’ expressions as they attempt to persist and even succeed in the face of token status and negative group stereotypes.

I am very grateful for Dr. Richeson’s research and wish her continued success. However, let us consider the following thoughts-

Does racial bias still exist? My answer to that is a resounding yes and as recent as about two weeks ago in Cambridge, Mass.

Would Dr. King be pleased with the progress that has been made since he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech? I think that he would be pleased but I wonder if he would be concerned that after all this time we seem to still be in a “pressing toward” zone.

The ending part of Dr. Richeson’s comment on racial bias says “If you want to understand prejudice, don’t look only at conscious thoughts and spoken words. Look at what people feel and do without realizing it.” While I do agree with her, I find that I rather enjoy the way the late Michael Jackson puts it-

Heal the world, make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race.