Unconscious Bias: a journey of learning to see

When I began researching the subject of bias, I was simply trying to make sense of some disturbing things I saw happening around me in the political and religious worlds. I had no idea that my research would turn into an extended essay in the form of a short e-book "Why Don't They Get It? Overcoming Bias in Others - and Yourself". Nor did I expect that that extended essay would inspire a podcast, "Learning How to See", co-hosted with my dear friends and colleagues Fr. Richard Rohr & Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. And never in my wildest dreams could I have guessed that Tim Gilman, Creative Director for the Common Good Coalition would invite me to team up with our mutual friend Rev. Dr. Samual Lee, who, in addition to his extraordinary leadership in a congregation and university, is also an artist with a deep love of photography.

The idea for this book is simple: As you reflect on each of the thirteen biases we'll cover, you'll find a photograph to savor. Let its composition and colors still you and then move you, and then start writing. You might write a prayer or a poem. You might tell a story. You might jot down some spontaneous reactions, or even a list of questions for further consideration.

One of my mentors says, "Learning is not the consequence of teaching." (Or, I might add, writing and reading or listening to a podcast.) "Learning is the consequence of thinking," he says. So, we offer you this book to assist you in thinking . . . thinking as you slow down and sit in quiet reflection . . . thinking as you write . . . thinking as you reflect on what you write.

In many ways, biases are shortcuts around thinking. They are ways our brains try to say, "You're busy enough already. No need to think about this." Shortcuts are sometimes helpful, but sometimes, they lead to dangerous dead ends.

Thanks for your interest. Thanks for thinking, and learning!

One of my mentors says, "Learning is not the consequence of teaching." (Or, I might add, writing and reading or listening to a podcast.) "Learning is the consequence of thinking," he says. So, we offer you this book to assist you in thinking . . . thinking as you slow down and sit in quiet reflection . . . thinking as you write . . . thinking as you reflect on what you write.