Testing your Hidden Biases Exercise and Reflection Paper

Christopher Jones

EDU 704

Multicultural Issues in Student Affairs

Instructor: Dr. Lee A. Brossoit

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A perception is defined as an awareness, understanding, or idea of consciousness. In

our society today, a lot of the information being circulated is based on different individuals

perceptions, or how they were raised to feel about certain topics of discussion or ethnic groups.

Intercultural learning is a desired outcome of many practitioners working in the field of higher

education, but is very difficult to achieve. Several reasons for these communication gaps are

due to language barriers, cultural differences, and other inequalities.

The subject of Cross Cultures focuses on three levels of understanding, self-

awareness, the nature of mankind, and inter-cultural similarities and differences. Once insight

and knowledge is gained, an individual can begin to understand the life of others. It is within

these models that we can begin to grasp the meaning of cross-cultures and begin to interact

effectively. The training for this interaction does not concentrate solely on differences between

cultures. Rather, participants learn what each one is bringing to an issue and why they have a

particular view or opinion. The information gained from this approach allows people to

become a multi-cultural community and communicate on different levels where empathy can

be exercised, and through this method, participants will have the opportunity to develop a true

sense of relationship.

The Association Test was interesting to me because this was the first time I had ever

taken an exam such as this. The test is geared to measure ones multicultural awareness and

understandings on various topics ranging from race, sexuality etc. Overall, I thought the test

was somewhat accurate in terms of depicting my thoughts, feelings, and understanding in

terms of the subject matter, but I was opposed to how the test was conducted. I did not like

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the fact that while taking the test I had to answer as quickly as possible, because I found myself

getting a few of the answers incorrect simply because I was rushing or became a little confused

when I was trying to select the right response with either index finger. As a result of not having

the option of taking my time and reading the answers more carefully, my final score was

affected.

In terms of accuracy, I thought the test was unfair with one of my results. My test

results suggested that I had a moderate preference for European Americans compared to

African Americans for race, a strong preference for straight people compared to gay people,

and a moderate automatic preference for thin people compared to fat people. As far as being

surprised by the test results, I can honestly say that I was surprised at the race results , but not

surprised with the sexuality, and weight results.

In terms of the race result, I was really shocked at the final outcome, because I thought

the test would automatically show me having a preference for African Americans opposed to

European Americans simply because I grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood, and

black culture is a part of my own culture. The other two test results did not surprise me at all,

because in terms of sexuality, I mainly associate with heterosexuals, and rarely come into

contact any homosexuals. For the record, I do not discriminate against homosexuals. When God

created men and women, he created all of us with the ability to choose freely.

The third test I chose to take was the one regarding weight. It showed that I had a

preference for thin people over fat people. I’m not sure I agree with that because when it

comes to other people, my thought is, “as long as you are comfortable in your own skin, that’s

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fine with me”. On the other hand, because of health reasons, and a family history of diabetes

and high blood pressure illnesses, I am much more rigid on myself in terms of diet and exercise.

Having the ability to identify and understand various cultures and groups is an

extremely important skill set to possess especially when relating to students in higher

education. Practitioners, within the field should also be aware of making sure they do not pre-

judge students or groups or attempt to ascribe to any racial or group identifying.

As a result of my tests, the next step for me is to continue to educate myself in terms of

the different competencies within multiculturalism. My goal in this program is to continue to

demonstrate and apply identity development theories as they relate to students.

The journey of becoming an expert working in the field of multiculturalism is a lifelong

developmental process that requires a certain level of support from our personal, educational

and work environments. If you are a person with certain biased opinions, and preconceived

notions, you will struggle in this field. In my opinion, there is no room for individuals with

hidden biases or agendas.