The assumptions, stereotypes, and unintentional actions (positive or negative) we make towards others based on identity labels like race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. Because our implicit associations are stored in our subconscious, we may act on our biases without even realizing it. Often, our implicit biases contradict our values. I want to thank Dr. Rashad Richey for putting me on game. I recently viewed an episode of indisputable where Ryan Coogler was detained for an assumed bank robbery attempt. Of course, in my implicit biased I assumed that the caller was a white lady. When in fact it was a black woman. Honestly, either Ryan is the dumbest bank robber ever, who gives their bank card and personal information during a bank robbery or the teller is so detailed just the oddness made her short hairs stand up. Now Dr Richey said it was implicit bias on the Bank teller who happen to be black, I would say no that chick was just dumb. But I am also going to point out something Dr. Richey may have missed later in this podcast. As the Teller is breaking down what she perceived was going on to the 911 dispatcher. Who at the end of the conversation said he may just want the transaction to be discreet, but per protocol called the police? Here’s where my spin on the whole situation takes a dramatic turn. Whereas I do feel the outcome may have been different if it was a white customer. I don’t feel this implicit bias was based on the power structure implied by white supremacy. I honestly feel that this bias is formed and developed by black people for black people. Potentially manipulated by media executives who may or may not be of African American decent. So let me close out this story with this one fact, Ryan Coogler made mention about police pulling out their Glocks, on a nonviolent, compliant black suspect. The closest officer to Mr. Coogler was a black and yes, he popped that strap. Why would the black officer arm himself when he is less than a foot away from a compliant suspect? If it was not for his implicit bias that African American males are dangerous he may not have been so quick to arm himself.
