Dateline 4/15/07

[dweller]

Testing for a hidden racial bias
While Don Imus has apologized for his racial slurs, he insists he’s not a racist. But is it possible that virtually all of us have a hidden racial bias, hidden even from ourselves?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18122831/

the test they used: Project Implicit
http://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/

take the test yourself.

dp

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. said slight preference for European

types, which I find amusing, as the only one I got "wrong" was when it was a postive word on the European side and I clicked it (I think it was "joy") on the African side. Wonder if this test takes into account the fact that some folks are terribly right handed?

[melody]

2. No it doesn't

There are so many neurological aspects not accounted for that I quit
the test a third of the way through.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. That being said,

I will honestly admit that I note skin color when I meet someone. Try very hard not to let it prejudice me, but it is there-don't know how to change that.

[jhrobbins]

3. I took the test and the results surprised me a little...

I was shown to have little to no automatic preference between African American and European AMericans. It surprised because while I have never considered myself a racist, I always assumed that I did harbor some innate prejudices, especially given the fact that I grew up in Texas surrounded by strong racial components in my community. (One test though isn't really enough to determine this, I don't think). I am pleased with the results, but still a bit skeptical.

[rurallib]

5. I don't have to take the test to know that I do

but I try to be very aware of my prejudice and constantly check myself.
Considering that i grew up in a very racist family and both sides of my family continues to be very racist I am fully aware that I have a problem.