St. Cloud State University is hosting the “The Bias Inside Us” Aug. 21-Sept. 19 and is offering a speaker series to continue conversations sparked by the exhibit.
The speaker series features Dr. Corey Yeager and Dr. Tessa Charlesworth who will explore the impact and science of bias. Charlesworth will speak in a virtual event on “The Science of Bias” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2. Yeager will speak in person on “The Impact of Bias” at 11 a.m. in the Atwood Theatre.
“The Bias Inside Us” is a community engagement project from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) that raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias and what people can do about it. “The Bias Inside Us” features a traveling exhibition that serves as the centerpiece for local programs and activities.
Yeager is the psychotherapist for the Detroit Pistons. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses his practice primarily serving the African American community.
Charlesworth is a psychologist who studies people’s social attitudes and beliefs emerge and change across their lifespan and social history. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University advised by Dr. Mahzarin Banaji, one of the psychologists whose scientific and educational work was used in “The Bias Inside Us” exhibit.
Through compelling images, hands-on interactives and powerful testimonials and videos, “The Bias Inside Us” exhibition unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias. The exhibition features six sections: Introduction, The Science of Bias, Bias in Real Life, Serious Consequences—Bias is All Around Us, #RetrainYourBrain and Personal Reflection.
“The Bias Inside Us” draws from the scientific research and educational work by psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji of Harvard University and Anthony G. Greenwald, professor emeritus at the University of Washington. They defined the term “implicit bias” through their work on unconscious and conscious mental processes. Their book Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People (Delacorte Press, 2013) explores the biases people carry based on their exposure to cultural attitudes on areas such as gender, race, social class and disability status.
Major support for “The Bias Inside Us” is provided by the Otto Bremer Trust. Additional support provided by Acton Family Giving, Anonymous donors, The Beverly Foundation, Steve and Sheri Lear, Target, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Allianz of America, Valerie E. and William A. Anders, Atlanta Gas Light Foundation, Julie and David Burton, the Dreier Family, Lennart Ehn and Ginger Lew, Expedia, Trevor and Melissa Fetter, the Roger S. Firestone Foundation, Brenda J. Gaines, Myra Hart and Kent Hewitt, Charlie and Nancy Hogan, Judy and Bob Huret, Dr. Christine C. Jenkins and Mr. Pierre A. France, KNOCK, inc., Sarah Lawer and Frank Guanco, Leaders Forum, Kathleen Mason, Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter, Dr. Philip S. and Alice Hoolihan Randall, Gloria del C. Rodriguez, the Family of Leona Roen, and Naoma Tate.
It is based on an original concept developed by Tolerance in Motion: Steve Lear, Laura Zelle, and Elyse Rabinowitz, founders; Ellen Glatstein, Laura Lipshutz, Alice Randall, Joanne Jones-Rizzi, and Susan Shapiro, directors; Don Shelby, founding advisor; and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, Steve Hunegs, executive director.
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.
Attend the Speaker Events
Dr. Tessa Charlesworth
Dr. Tessa Charlesworth will present on “The Science of Implicit Bias” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 on a virtual webinar. Register today!
Dr. Corey Yeager
Dr. Corey Yeager will give an in-person presentation on “Understanding Unconscious Bias and What to Do About It” at 11 a.m. Sept. 9. Register today!
