Critical Thinking or Implicit Bias??

How do we know the difference?

The best place to start is to define them, or at least that's what I like to do.

(from dictionary.com)

Critical Thinking: disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence

Implicit Bias: bias that results from the tendency to process information based on unconscious associations and feelings, even when these are contrary to one's conscious or declared beliefs

I sense most of us are watching and experiencing life through the Implicit Bias lens. And this is leading to the micro wars between friends and families around the world.

By understanding the definition of Implicit Bias, we can effectively begin to look at the world with a Critical Thinking mind. But it requires us to switch from "unconscious associations and feelings" into "open-minded and informed by evidence."

So what does that mean to us in the real world?

For example, let's say someone posts a Trump video, and a liberal sees the thumbnail and responds to the person's post negatively. This would be Implicit Bias because if the liberal had actually watched the Trump video, they would have seen Trump wishing everyone a Happy Easter. (BTW, this is from a real-life example.)

The disdain for Trump is so palpable that most liberals refuse to question "why" they feel the way they do. The liberal no longer accepts new or different information into the equation and are not curious about their own beliefs. Their mind is made up. Period.

Implicit Bias also shows up as "the problems" of America lie in systemic racism. And to back up the Bias, they use "you're a racist" rhetoric for anyone who doesn't see it that way. Anyone who disagrees with the systemic racism narrative is a bigot, narcissist, and white supremacist (even if they're NOT white).

The ability to listen is completely shut off because the Bias is running the show.

How can we get back to curiosity and open-mindedness when it seems to be shut off for most?

It starts with shedding our ego that is fueling our need to be "right." When we believe we're "right," we no longer ask questions or are curious to see if there is MORE to the equation.

Ego is fueling our Biases, and we are adding to the problem we say we want to fix.

I go into more detail about "The Massive Plague of the Ego" in my IG LIVE today.

For all of us to move forward positively, we must individually begin to release the ego's grip—one by one. We remove the need to be "right" to get to a place of understanding, respect, and unconditional love for one another.

We need more people to start questioning EVERYTHING! Stop taking things for "face value" and expect them to be true for everyone.

Let's use the power of Critical Thinking to be more informed, clear, rational, and open-minded.

With lots of LOVE,

Teresa

#plantingseeds #dreamsdocometrue #yourgreatnessiscalling #moveonpurpose