sure that I speak loudly and slowly when I meet people who look like they are from a different country so they will understand me better.
Yes No
Should we assume that individuals who dress in a way that reflects a cultural or ethnic background are not American? How might our actions convey an assumption that people who speak a language other than English are somehow impaired or deficient?
I generally choose professionals who are older than me because they probably know what they're doing.
Yes No
What assumptions might you hold about the competence of young professionals? What stereotypes about younger generations might support young people's perceptions that they are less capable, less professional, or less intelligent?
When I enter a room full of strangers, I seek out people who look like me (similar age, same gender, similar style of dress).
Yes No
We often seek out familiarity to increase our sense of comfort or security in unfamiliar situations. Why do you think this is? Does diversity cause us discomfort? Is diversity inconvenient?
When I go to the bank, I will let people in front of me in line so I can wait for a nicer or friendly-looking teller to become available.
Yes No
How does a nice person or a close individual look? Can a skin color look unfriendly? What about a hijab? How might your conception of a “nice” appearance have been influenced by your environment, beliefs, or upbringing?
I have ended a romantic relationship because I felt too uncomfortable with an aspect of the person's physical appearance (e.g., physical disability, skin color, weight).
Yes No
You've likely heard the saying that opposites attract, but what differences qualify as insurmountable? Think about the differences you are willing and unwilling to accept in a romantic partner. How many unacceptable features are physical traits? What might this indicate about your unconscious biases?
When I buy gifts for children, I look up toys that are popular for little girls or little boys, depending on their gender.
Yes No
What assumptions do we make about gender as it relates to children's interests and abilities? What harm might those assumptions potentially impose on young children?
When I notice a same-sex couple in public, I try to pretend like I don't see them. I am sure they would not appreciate being singled out.
Yes No
When you see a same-sex couple in public, what feelings do you notice within yourself? Often, we may react to discomfort with avoidance. However, choosing to ignore individuals who are different from us is committing an erasure that ultimately can perpetuate harm and overlook injustice.
I treat all my students the same regardless of their physical characteristics or cognitive abilities. That's the fair thing to do.
Yes No
What is the difference between equality and equity? Is it possible to meet students' individual needs without acknowledging their unique identities, backgrounds, and characteristics?
I have asked to switch seats at a restaurant or on a plane to distance myself from a person who is dressed strangely.
Yes No
What qualifies as “strange” attire to you? What assumptions do we hold about culture or class that might inform the level of threat that we infer from a person's appearance?
If I see a person paying with coupons or food stamps at the grocery store, I will try to pick a different checkout line.
Yes No
Taken at face value, this may seem like a decision based purely on convenience and efficiency. However, think deeply about what thoughts or emotions this situation creates for you. What assumptions about socioeconomic class might influence your decision to distance yourself from an individual using coupons or a government assistance program?
If I noticed a person making strange involuntary noises in public, I would call the police. That person could be a danger to themself or to someone else.
Yes No
When you recognize signs of mental illness, how do you react? How does your knowledge about a particular behavior or disorder inform that reaction? What assumptions do you hold about individuals who live with mental illnesses?
Implicit Bias Talk Moves
Educators often ask me for ways to address/intervene when we witness bias taking place. Here is a list of sentence stems and conversation starters that will empower educators to discuss implicit bias with students and colleagues. While it is crucial to confront biased behavior, discrimination, and racism, these conversation stems are not intended to force conversations, but rather, they are designed to invite productive engagement between individuals.
Initiating Conversations About Implicit Bias
Use these conversation starters to proactively start a dialogue about implicit bias when there is no specific behavior or harm to be addressed.
Are you willing to have an honest dialogue with me about… ?
This question empowers the other person to consent or decline, based on their assessment of their readiness to engage productively.
It's important to me that we discuss…
This statement prioritizes the conversation as something that matters to you personally. It conveys to the other individual that if they respect you, they also should treat the discussion with respect.
Challenging Implicit Biases
Use these conversation starters after an individual has made a statement that conveys implicit bias.
I have a different perspective. May I share it with you?
This response does not indict the individual or tell the other person that they are wrong. However, it does cue the other person in that you are going to share something that may be in opposition to their beliefs. This conversation stem invites the other person to listen if they are ready or decline if they are not.
Can you tell me why you feel that way?
This response prompts the individual to dig beneath surface-level stereotypes or misconceptions and unpack the true nature of their feelings or beliefs.
Addressing Biased Behavior
Use these conversation starters after you have witnessed a person do or say something offensive.
When I saw/heard _____, I felt…
This statement begins with an objective observation before sharing your feelings. It does not presume that the other person acted intentionally out of malice and allows you to challenge their perspective.
Let's take a moment to consider how _____ might have felt when they saw/heard _____.
This conversation starter signals empathy, which is essential in conversations about implicit bias. It invites individuals to enrich their perspective rather than indicting them for their actions.
Telling Your Own Story
Use these conversation starters to begin sharing your own experiences with implicit bias.
