What is “implicit” bias?

Implicit thoughts are those that occur outside a person’s control and awareness. They are fast-acting, automatic, and often hidden. Sometimes implicit thoughts can be helpful, in that they allow us to know, for example, that turning our car key in the ignition will allow our car to drive. Other times, however, implicit thoughts lead to biased and harmful outcomes. This happens when our automatic mind disproportionately affects people in meaningful ways. An implicit bias could, for example, explain why people automatically assume a pilot is male or a young black male is dangerous.

Why is implicit bias important?

If “fairness” or “justice” matter to you, then you should care about implicit bias. Despite our best intentions, our automatic feelings and judgments about members of certain groups influence the way we act and make decisions, both in our personal and professional lives. Oftentimes, we may even be entirely unaware of these biases. Indeed, we may even view ourselves as “dedicated to justice” or “open-minded” people, yet still be impacted by implicit bias. By working to understand how implicit bias operates in our community, we can begin to improve access to justice and fairness in Hawaiʻi.

Is implicit bias different in Hawaiʻi?

In Hawaiʻi, as elsewhere, implicit bias can affect a vast range of daily decisions and behaviors. Thus far, research in Hawaiʻi has not shown major differences in the existence of implicit bias. However, there are certainly unique biases that operate in Hawaiʻi that may not operate elsewhere. For example, implicit negative stereotypes related to the Micronesian community have been found in Hawaiʻi but not in the continental US.

Click here for more information about the Hawaiʻi Implicit Bias Initiative

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