On today’s show, Jennifer L. Eberhardt, author of, Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, And Do. Dr. Eberhardt’s take a look at the difference between what we understand in our culture as racism and the implicit biases we pick up within our society.  Through extensive studies including both clinical and social studies, Dr. Eberhardt addresses how racial bias is not restricted to a few bad actors but is present at all levels of society in media, education, and business. Sam and Eberhardt also discuss the plasticity of the brain and how exposure to diversity can help dispel bias and our seemingly innate prejudices. Eberhardt explains how her studies can be applied to larger systemic problems of bias, specifically in policing and corporate culture. By showing this implicit bias through clinical testing it’s easier to show how prejudice and stereotypes can be systemic, beyond personal animus, and something that be unlearned. Moving forward, is it possible to isolate these influences of bias in the first place? Eberhardt believes exposure and contact to information and a diverse population is key to unlearning bias. Sam and Eberhardt conclude their conversation with an open-ended question: if we’re all biased in some way, at what point does it turn to racism? Whether or not implicit bias turns to explicit racism, it can be as harmful in a slow eroding kind of way, as it exists alongside social norms.

And in the Fun Half: Bernie slides to 4th in the latest CNN poll, a breakdown of the ProPublica CPB Secret Facebook group, one bad apple does spoil the whole bunch, harrowing images and video from inside the Clint, TX Customs & Border Patrol facilities, the argument for decommodifying housing, Donald Trump has started and defeated homelessness in America, Trump reaffirms that the Census citizenship question is about denying rights to immigrants, Greg Gutfeld admits Fox would be sounding alarm bells if Obama met with Kim Jong Un, Bernie’s messaging on engagement, a Jimmy Dore story, plus your calls and IMs!

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