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RACISM - UNCONSCIOUS BIA
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
Some people have this belief that they are superior over others and this is actually what racism is all about,
where the result of unconscious bias is cognizant. This has also effects in the real world where race relations
get worst and it is all because we are never aware of this emotion, which can be referred to as a kind of human
complexity. When we try to stereo type groups of people and have indifference towards each other, this is
where racism begins. Without even realizing it, racism is embedded in the consciousness of the people’s mind.
It also plays a great impact on our being biased.
We all come from varied backgrounds, having different experiences, attitudes and beliefs. These things make us
distinct from each other and distinguish a person from another. Nowadays, differences are no longer accepted.
Every individual lives in a particular culture and society and we have established a classification system of
groups which are based according to one’s cultural background. Therefore, any differences of these individuals
would be based on their ethnicity or race. This emphasis on assumptions is known as stereotypes wherein
racism originated.
Some people can be prejudiced but let me tell you that this is not considered to be an innate character.
Because of the environment and social influences that were developed in a person, one may experience racial
attitudes and beliefs. It dates back to the time when children were very keen and observant as to recognizing
the differences based on the color of one’s skin. These differences are thereby tolerated over the years and this
is how acceptance of others are predicted or which are being determined based on race, gender or low
economic status. Racism is clearly defined here and unconscious bias is very implicit.
Parents also play an important influence over the child’s values, beliefs and behavior. Most probably these are
what they will acquire and adopt in their own lives too. If the parents are very particular and are highly
opposed to a particular race, then this is what will be seen in the attitude and display of behavior of the child.
These things may be causes as to how an individual may develop prejudice and in no time at all will turn to be a
racist. We should also be able to recognize the contributing factors of education and the effects of society that
may play as a very crucial role in the perspective of racism.
Racism can be thought of as a very destructive aspect of human history. We know for a fact that the belief that
a particular group of people is superior to another has been in existence for thousands of years. To top it all I
firmly believe that any differences between people should be accepted and respected regardless of whoever
the person is. We should never make assumptions and wrong notions about people and individuals per se. Let
us put a stop and see past the differences in others for us not to face racism and not have this unconscious bias
towards others for after all we were created equal in the eyes of God.
Questions for discussion:
1. How would racism affect your direct and indirect relationship with others?
2. Do you always see the differences of other people around you? Does it really matter?
3. Are you being biased with other people most of the time? Explain your answer.
4. Do you agree that racism can be considered as an unconscious bias towards other people? Why or why not?
5. How can you differentiate racism and racial discrimination?