IDS 105 journal module 1
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
105
Subject
Communications
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by CoachFieldReindeer36
Reflecting on my social identities, I acknowledge that being female, heterosexual, and white are significant aspects of my identity. These dominant identities shape my experiences, perceptions, and interactions with the world around me. Implicit biases, inherent within these identities, can manifest in various ways, affecting my thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
As a heterosexual woman, societal norms and cultural influences have subtly ingrained biases within me. I realize that there are times that I unconsciously adhere to gender norms or hold certain expectations about relationships and roles. For example, I might have internalized stereotypes about femininity or masculinity, like expecting men to be assertive and women to be nurturing. When I grew up my mother raised us, and my dad was the disciplinarian. So when I got married and had my first child, my instinct was that I should be the one to coddle and care for our son, and my husband was the one who would scold and punish. Clearly that is not how parenting works, but that was what I grew up with, so it was a very natural response for me. Similarly, within my racial identity as a white person, historical and societal conditioning had initially shaped my worldview at a young age. For example, growing up in a predominantly white community, I was exposed to stereotypes and misinformation about people of other races. Despite my best intentions, I sometimes find myself to subconsciously hold biases towards individuals from marginalized racial or ethnic backgrounds, such as assuming that they are less intelligent or capable based on harmful stereotypes perpetuated by society.
These biases subtly influence my language, assumptions, and preferences, affecting my interactions and decision-making without conscious awareness. In everyday conversations, I might unknowingly use gendered language or make assumptions about someone's sexual orientation based on societal norms. These biases can influence how I perceive and interpret
situations, leading to unintentional discrimination or prejudice towards individuals who differ from my dominant identities.
However, it's essential to recognize that social justice principles, including equity, fairness, inclusivity, diversity, and advocacy for marginalized groups, provide a framework for addressing these biases. Social justice aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and promote equality of opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Yet, the presence of implicit bias may distort my understanding of social justice, leading to the oversight of marginalized experiences or the reinforcement of existing power structures.
In personal settings, implicit bias may hinder my ability to create inclusive environments and foster meaningful relationships with individuals who hold different identities or perspectives.
It may inadvertently contribute to feelings of exclusion or marginalization, perpetuating inequities within social circles or communities.
In professional settings, implicit bias can have broader implications, impacting decision-
making processes, hiring practices, and interactions with colleagues and clients. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, unconscious biases may influence who gets hired, promoted, or listened to within organizational settings. These biases can contribute to disparities in opportunities and outcomes for marginalized individuals, perpetuating inequities within workplaces and institutions.
Recognizing and addressing implicit bias is crucial for advancing social justice and creating equitable environments. By challenging our assumptions, examining our beliefs, and actively promoting diversity and inclusion, we can work towards creating a more just and inclusive society for all.
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