Implicit Bias

     Implicit bias is the unconsious categorization of qualities to a specific social group. Implicit bias are stereotypes that we have formed about certain people without ever realizing we have done so. These associations are formed naturally by our experiences, things we read, or things we hear throughout life. For example, for some people it is natural to associate republicans as racist, or Christians as hypocrites. 

    It is extremely important for OT students and practitioners to learn about implicit bias because it can make us aware. Since implicit bias comes natural, it is common for people to not realize they feel a certain way until it has been brought to their attention. We think that we are being fair and we think that we are being equal, until we are put into a situation where the bias is unexpectedly revealed to us. As practitioners in the health care field, we are expected to treat all patients equally. In order to do this successfully, we must challenge our inner thoughts of implicit bias. In order to see all patients as equal, we have to over come the natural stereotypes that form when we deal with certain patients. 

For example, someone who was brought up in a religious house hold might have judgmental views of people who practice homosexuality. However, as an OT, we have to find a way to put those views to the side and focus on our client as a whole and give 100% to all clients, regardless of the views we might hold. 

    Having implicit bias is not necessarily a bad thing. It makes us human and gives us character. But, we cannot let these stereotypes take over our interactions with others. To examine our own implicit bias, we need to first make ourselves aware of the areas in which we have bias. I took the survey presented in the lecture, which tested the way I view blacks vs. whites. If we are not aware of the problems, it is almost impossible to fix them. If we really want to override these biases, we can challenge them. However, this takes an intentional effort to counter the stereotypes. We must dedicate our time and guide our focus on changing the way our brain processes. The main key to this step, is to WANT to change. Once you have made a commitment to yourself, you can then begin the practices that will help. One practice that comes to mind is to evaluate each person based on their characteristics as an individual. This is specifically related to OT because we are supposed to treat our clients with a top down / client-centered approach. Whether it's in the clinic or just life in general,  we should make our judgments based on that specific person's qualities, rather than the group that they are affiliated with. Each person should be viewed as an individual, not as a race, injury,  disability, sex, or social class. 

    To put it in all into perspective, I like to think about it in terms of a drug addict. In order for a drug addict to overcome an addiction, they must follow steps:

1. Acknowledge/admit that you have a problem

2. Gain a desire to get better 

3. Commit yourself to change 

4.Partake in whatever measures are necessary to accomplish the goal 

5. Spread what you've accomplished to others 

Out of all of the things I learned from this assignment, the power in presence stood out to me the most. You don't always have to have the power to fix things or the right things to say, but just being present could make the world of difference in someones life. I have always believed in this but this podcast really got my attention.