This blog is the second in a three-part series that links three important ideas—implicit bias, stereotype threat and identity safety—all backed by research. Republished with permission from Teaching Tolerance.
By Becki Cohn-Vargas
Not In Our School Director
Most teachers want to be fair to each student. How many times have you heard educators say, “I treat everyone the same”? But is this even possible—or desirable? When we ignore differences, even in the absence of overt negative stereotypes, implicit bias is still at play—and there is another detrimental force that can flourish under the surface: stereotype threat.
Stereotype Threat
“Young black men know that in far too many settings they will be seen not as individuals, but as the ‘other,’ and given no benefit of the doubt. . . . Society’s message to black boys — ‘We fear you and view you as dangerous” — is constantly reinforced. . . . Even those who keep their distance from this deadly idea are at risk of losing their lives to it. The death of Trayvon Martin vividly underscores that danger.”
—Brent Staples, New York Times
Street art in reaction to the killing of Trayvon Martin. Source: New York Times
By Becki Cohn-Vargas
Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas, Not In
Our School Director
This article originally appeared in Edutopia on April 24, 2012. Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas is a veteran educator as well as the director of Not In Our School.