So, Mark encouraged me to read the book Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. I’ve only read four chapters of the book, and I’m just incredibly intrigued with how much goes on with us as humans subconsciously. The fourth chapter of the book discusses the Warren Harding error. This means that many Americans voted for Harding because he looked presidential—handsome, tall, dark, etc. As a journalist I knew of this from journalism history; a lot of people credit looks with Kennedy’s success. The role of television drastically changed politics because voters could see what the candidates look like.
Ok, so why am I thinking about all of this? Well, Gladwell gives a link to a Harvard IAT test that is used for research. The IAT tests a person’s unconscious preferences. I took the Race IAT. Basically, the test puts up the words Good and Bad and European American and African American and you click to which category the word or image applies to. I have *strong* subconscious tendencies for European Americans. I’m white, so I get that this is normal for most people, but after living in Claver House and teaching at Seton, I’m so so sad that my subconscious still makes negative judgments about African Americans. I almost want to cry I’m so sad I’m not naturally more middle of the road.
I guess I’ll just take refuge that Gladwell, who is half black, wasn’t happy with his results either. I think I’ll wait and take it again in a few days to see if my results are the same. The test is interesting…the site tests your thoughts on genders and careers, sexuality, religion, anti-Muslim tendencies. It’s just fascinating stuff. It makes me wonder if people can really change…or if we just have to be really conscious of our subconscious tendencies to associate good or bad with a certain race or gender.
To take the test yourself, go https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/selectatest.html. Let me know what you score. I’m curious how others do, and I’ll probably take a few of the other IAT tests. I’ll add my results to this blog.
And…happy thoughts. Happy fall! Tonight is the start of my favorite fashion season. I love sweaters and jeans with no coats. I love Halloween parties…especially when I get to host them. I love Thanksgiving. I think it’s my favorite holiday. And what’s even more special about this autumn? Mark comes home for mid-tour leave! I know we all think of mid-December as winter, but it’s still technically autumn. 86 days. I can’t wait!
