Traveling expands awareness and perception. It brings new encounters. Exposure to the world can indeed, open one up to see more.
Having just completed three trips in three weeks, I had a real eye opening moment that has helped fulfill the Socrates saying, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
America has indeed become a blended nation. More and more I observed biracial families which activated a deep seated, well-grooved, inherent and unconscious bias.
I was shocked at my inner dialogue. I had no idea I was bigoted until it reared its ugly head —and as luck would have it, I met a professor of Sociology who helped me understand this shocking awareness.
I told him, somewhat sheepishly, that I wondered how a sweet young blond mother could love her dark skinned, kinky haired child.
And then, I added, once I heard that thought, as the adult I am today, with a mature and liberal orientation, I understood, that love is love and color is not seen. I was able to see how my perceptions have evolved but none-the-less, I did not know where my thoughts came from.
The professor explained that racial biases and ageism and many perceptions about gender and socio-economic status are bred into us. They live in the collective shadow. Learning about them will help us and help society to heal.
He encouraged me to learn more about this sociological phenomenon on the Harvard University Website. “Take the Implicit Association Test,” he said. “There are many available and all are helpful. You will understand more about yourself, for sure.”
I don’t know about you but I want to know more — even if I don’t like what I discover. How about you? Want to know more about yourself?
Click here for Project Implicit : https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
Thank you Professor Michael from Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado.
Women's Wisdom Circle
Wednesday, June 12th 10:30 AM - 12 Noon
This week's topic: Bye Bye Biases
Levis JCC Sandler Center, Boca Raton
Membership is not required. $13 payable at the door.
21050 95th Ave S, Boca Raton, FL 33428
561-558-2520