I learned things I already knew about myself. I do have unconscious bias and have tracked where it originated. Where? family, environment, societal norms. I identified a bias a couple of years ago while driving on a street. I saw a woman look like of Mexican descnce with a stroller (two kids in it), two kids walking and one in the belly. My first thought at a glance was anchor babies, and using the system with the children. Before I could complete that thought another thought popped up. Why did I go there? Why did I go negative?
I then said out loud is this how unconscious bias happens. I t thought about why didn't I say how nice it is for a mother to be at home with her children. Why not consider if it was a care provider for children? Why not consider based on her culture she may be a stay at home mom based on her Catholoic background and the role of the man being the provider.
I quickly shared this aha moment with my students as I share it with you. The beginning of cultural competence from my perspective is the self-reflection of your own bias toward others. I immediately ask for forgiveness from my Lord as that woman was also a daughter of the most high.
