Bias (Part 2)

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Explicit vs. Implicit Bias

Explicit bias exists when a person is aware of their prejudice and attitudes towards certain groups. Overt racism and racist comments are examples of explicit bias.

Implicit bias is unconscious. We are not aware that we have these biased feelings. We may not recognize how they affect our actions, attitudes, and decisions. Implicit bias might make you assume that a doctor you have not met is a man.

Everyone has implicit biases. They develop over our lives from what we see, hear, and experience. Even people who believe they have no prejudice have implicit biases.

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Research shows that there is implicit bias in the general population of the United States. This bias is about gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, and other factors. This bias favors white, young, abled, straight, male, cisgender, and thin people.