Alexandra Kadell

Lee Brossoit
EDU 704: Multi-Cultural Issues in Student Affairs
February 3, 2016

Testing Your Hidden Bias Exercise and Reflection

Race IAT (Black - White IAT): Slightly prefer European over Black
When we took this test in class I was not surprised to see that my results showed that I

slightly preferred European over Black. However, if you would have asked me before taking the

class if I prefer one over the other I would have probably said “of-course not! I see everyone

equality.” Through the class I began to realize that we all have biases that have been social

constructed within us to preserve groups and individuals in a certain way. I think it is critical to

acknowledge that those biases do exists, they influence my thinking, and that I have to challenge

those thoughts in order to make myself a better ally for all.

I do not think that getting slightly bias is better than moderately or strongly, I still have a

hidden bias that prefers white people. Growing up in Long Island, I was not surrounded by a

very diverse population. The structure of Long Island is very different then many places I have

experienced before. There are sections people know, Elmont or West Hempstead, were there are

the “ghettos” and then you have, Franklin Square or Garden City, which have nice houses and

groomed lawns. Growing up I hear my family say “oh there goes the neighborhood” when they

saw a black person walking down our street or make comments that our dog barks only at black

people. In my original high school, the surrounding four towns intersected and I was surrounded

by multi-cultural students, but when I transferred to a new high school I knew of one black kid

and two Spanish kids. The place where I did a majority of my development was surrounded by

white administration, teachers, and students. I am not justifying why I have this biases, but I truly
believe that my family, geographical location, and exposure that I had growing up greatly

influenced my perceptions.

When working with students of color I truly believe that I do not think negatively about

them because of their skin color. Most of the time with all students, I try to learn the reason why

they are saying or doing something based upon their history and developmental processes.

Although, I may believe I am progressive I still need to be entuned that my hidden biases

influence my interactions with students. Taking actions forward I think I need to be more

intentional in the way I present myself as a privilege white person. Rather than talking in the

office, surrounded by student staff, about how my mommy won’t help me out with my health

insurance, I turned to our worker and ask how they are doing with school and involvement.

Additionally, I need to work on not assuming different things about students and continually

challenge my way of thinking and perception. Lastly, as I further my career in student affairs I

would like to become more of an advocate for students. At Salem State and beyond, I want to

really look at the institutional context, the student demographics, the culture on campus and

attitudes, what support services are or are not there, and become a voice to make sure that we are

assisting our student, particular students of color to the best of our abilities.

Sexuality IAT (Gay -Straight IAT): Slightly prefer gay over straight
I was quite surprised that for the sexuality implicit association test my results were that I

slightly prefer gay over straight for three main reasons. First, unlike the race test, my biases does

not preferably represent my identity. Second, my first positive exposure to the LGBTQ+

community did not happen until my undergraduate experience. Third, this is a topic that I have

little experience about and do not always feel confident in my terminology and information.
 When I first entered my undergraduate, I did not communicate with LGBTQ+ individuals

the same way I do now. Growing up in a mildly conservative family, not one of my relatives

being gay and listening to the word of God perching that being gay is a sin and you will go to

hell. I did not know of anyone in my high school being gay and I listened to the constant jokes.

When I entered my ungraduated, many of my peers identified within the LGBTQ+ community.

Of course, I did not intentionally try to not talk to them, but any time I would have a

conversation I would feel uncomfortable. Not knowing why, I had those feelings even though I

had was friends with them. I had never been exposed to someone who I thought to be so different

from me and my original values. As I developed more into my undergraduate and began to

understand individuals who identity as LGBTQ+ I became more comfortable and accepting.

As a graduate assistant in the First-Year Experience office and throughout the program

my knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community has grown exponentially. I have caught myself

making comments that I could be seen offensive. I realized that I was paying little attention to

student identity development within the LGBTQ+, because I did not think it was as critical

compared to transitioning theory. Lastly, I believe I have become more open to talking about

sexuality, asking questions, admitting to my mistakes, and genuinely trying understand more

about a topic I am unfamiliar about. My action moving forward to strengthen my multicultural

competencies is to definitely do more self-educating. This point relates back to why I was

surprised about my results. We discussed a lot about being politically correct and I think that as

we move forward in our society it is necessarily to being political correct in areas such as

sexuality to effectively assist our students. Therefore, through self-education I can make myself

more aware of the current issues revolving sexuality within higher education and the greater

society that may be influence our students. Lastly, in order to better understand students at a
particular institution, such as Salem State, is by attending events. By doing this I gather a better

understanding of student’s perceptions related to sexuality, gain knowledge for myself, and show

support in their interests.

Weight IAT (Fat-Thin IAT): Strongly prefer thin over fat

My last result, for the weight implicit association was incredibly surprising for me and I

feel as though it did not depict my perception about weight. The main reason I reacted so

strongly to this identity over the other two was because I did not expect to have a strongly

preference for thin people over fat. Additionally, this is something I never have thought in depth

about. I honestly did not believe I could have a hidden bias for or against a particular person who

identifies in this group. Lastly, I am so surprised because I have thought myself to be an

advocate for women, specifically surrounding body image.

The reason why I was so attracted to finding out my results for this test was because of

the current relationship I am in. My boyfriend has been struggling with an eating disorder for a

few years now, striving to be the fastest and thinnest runner he can be. Although, I admire his

motivation at times he inflicts physical and emotional pain in order to obtain an unrealistic image

of himself. This image is not just something he wants for himself, but expects other to be as well,

without understanding that those around him are physically different. Comment such as “well if

they work harder, they would be skinny” or “why do I have to look at their fat when I am

skinny” and “I just don’t understand why I have to look this way (as he grabs skin on stomach)”.

I hear him make these comments and stare at people, always trying to remind him that because

he thinks a certain way does not mean other have to as well. As proactive I try to be with him,

my results show that my perceptions are something different. I did not realize the impact our life

together is starting to have on my perceptions about people.

 I am not blaming my boyfriend for my results and take into consideration that our society

is structured in a thin person world with perfect Barbie dolls and super models. Much like how

class has brought to my attention my biases against certain races, sexuality, and gender I have

begun to acknowledge those biases in order to be a productive professional and over all person.

Similarly, through this experience of the implicate association, my main action moving forward

in order to better myself and those around me is to recognize my strong bias towards thin people.

I believe once I grasp and challenge those ideas I will become a better professional, overall

person, and genuine advocate.

Overall, I have biases, we all have hidden biases that influence the way we view one

another. However, as educators in an ever-changing field that is surrounded by current societal

challenges we need to be mindful of our biases in order to effectively serve our students who are

experiencing critical developmental phases. Through self-education, participation,

acknowledgement, and avocation I will be better equipped in support a diverse population of

students to ensure they academic and socially succeed. I need to become ally for all students, not

solely for those who look, act, speak, or think like me.