Podcast Discussion: Invisibilia: "The Culture Inside"

Invisibilia is one of my favorite podcasts. Like some of the best ones out there, it's produced by NPR, and it focuses on what makes us "us," as in our thoughts, our beliefs, our biases, etc. An episode from June 8, 2017, called, "The Culture Inside" takes us on a fascinating exploration of the things we've been conditioned--by society, by the media, by our upbringing--to think without even realizing we think that way. In other words, it tackles the concept of "implicit bias," sometimes also called "unconscious bias." It's what makes us cross the street when we encounter a black man in a hoodie. It's what makes employers prefer to hire Bobs and Sandras over Laquans and Keishas. It's why disrespectful kids in red MAGA hats are called "dumb kids" and their behavior excused but black kids in hoodies are called "thugs" and are shot in the back by police, presumed guilty of all manner of criminal behavior.

But it's not always about race. We hold implicit biases about so many aspects of life, some of which are shameful and unpopular and frequently denied. They tend to stem from one common cause:
Stereotypes. They're handy psychological shortcuts that are based in just enough historical truth to trick us into believing they're accurate.

I have my own implicit biases, of course. I caught myself double-checking my car locks while driving through a poor neighborhood the other day. And I was disgusted with myself. Because I've obviously bought into the lie that poor people are dangerous. Does desperation make people do questionable things? Sometimes, yes. Have I EVER had a problem in any of my town's low-income areas? Nope. And still, I hit those locks. What did I think was going to happen? Someone was going to tackle my car at 30 m.p.h.? Ugh. And it's not like I'm Miss Rich Girl. I drive a leased Accord, and we rent our home. We're drowning in credit card debt and living paycheck to paycheck, despite having well-paying jobs. Maybe people should be afraid of me. But they're not. Because I'm white, and I hide my financial worries well.

This topic is probably making some of you uncomfortable. Good. It's supposed to. Do you think I'm perfectly sanguine talking about faking my way through a middle class life and fearing people who fake it less well than I do? I'm not. But until we talk about these things frankly and honestly, they're going to continue to be things we suffer in silent shame about. We're going to continue to wonder, "Does this make me a bigot?" Or misogynist? Or sexist? Or all-around bad person?

Chances are, you're not any of those things. I don't know that for a fact, but I'm willing to wager you're not, if you're still reading. The difference between you and people who are those things is that you actually ask yourself if you are. You cringe when you notice yourself locking your car doors in poor neighborhoods or crossing the street when you notice a poorly-dressed person (particularly a male, particularly a black male) approaching you. You might say, "I'm just being cautious," especially if you're a woman on her own, but you hate the overwhelming urge to do it, much less follow through on it. No matter how justified you feel, you also tell yourself, "I'm sure he's a perfectly nice person." Or maybe not. Maybe self-preservation overrides everything else, and you've seen enough reports on the news or true crime shows (ahem...) that you're convinced there's no such thing as "too safe." Everyone is capable of evil. Except you don't cross the street to avoid women. Or well-dressed white men. But okay. Fair enough. If you're a typical civilian, your implicit bias is only going to serve to make you look like a snob or racist. If you're a police officer, however, those same instincts can get someone killed.

"The Culture Inside" confronts all of these issues and challenges us to recognize our own biases. In this way, they ask us to DETECT, REFLECT, and REJECT. That's what I'll be doing next time I have one of those urges based on my implicit biases. What about you? What are some prejudices that you struggle with and want to change? Safe place, no judging. Only love and support here for those who want to do better.



P.S.
Since I'll be talking a LOT about podcasts on this blog, here are some links to popular podcast services where you can start to build your playlists:
Castbox
Spotify
You can also search on your smart phone in the app store for:
Podbean
Podcast Addict (I really like this one)
Stitcher
Or just type in "podcast" and pick the one you like best.