We are all racist.

It is impossible to ignore that the Black Memphis police officers who beat Tyre Nichols also received extensive unconscious bias training. So now I'm wondering if and to what extent rules and regulations influence people's actions. However, they showed no change in attitude or behavior after receiving diversity training. So just what is it that makes a difference?

I completed the IAT through UnderstandingPrejudice.org. As a black man, finding a "strong preference" for European Americans over African Americans was not shocking. I have lived my life in non-homogenous environments. Unfavorable news, but unfortunately widespread: 51% of online test takers exhibit moderate to substantial bias.

One widely used instrument in the study of racism and prejudice, the IAT, is both straightforward and distressing to administer. The test requires you to quickly sort pictures of people's faces into two groups, "African American" and "European American," and to do the same with words like "evil," "happy," "awful," and "peace." Then, you tap a key as quickly as possible to indicate which category is correct as faces and words flash on the screen.

Then, all at once, you have a terrible epiphany. As the number of black faces and "bad" words presented to you increases, you may notice that your categorization processes speed up, suggesting that your mind can more easily connect the two. "To paraphrase what Amodio says about it, "it's like you're on a bike going downhill, and you feel yourself going faster. You may think, "This is not how I want to come across," but you have no choice but to say it."

You like to think of yourself as someone who avoids bias, but your gut sometimes gets the best of you. As the seconds tick away, you can imagine their story: As soon as you are presented with negative words and a set of black faces, you can more accurately and quickly place them into distinct categories. Inferences drawn from this data suggest that your brain's wiring has been influenced by racially biased messages from your surrounding culture.

African-American faces and "good" words are sometimes asked to be sorted to one side of the screen. Sometimes, "bad" words must be used to categorize black faces. As names and faces rapidly scroll by, it's difficult to avoid making a few mistakes in the sorting process.

Racism is a powerful argument for black people. Black people are not immune to racism against black people or other races, despite the claims of some black diversity "experts" who say that white people are the racial and ideological enemy.

Negative stereotypes of black people as inferior, unworthy, lazy, and dangerous exist across all racial groups. However, what is more, striking is how this self-immolation is prevalent among people of color. What appears against them is also exercised by them.

Countless studies have demonstrated that these beliefs can spread just as quickly into the minds of Black people as they do into those of White people. The feeling of loathing oneself is genuine.

While brutally attacked on January 7, blocks from his home, Tyre Nichols repeatedly calls out for his mother on the video. In the following three days, he passed away. These black officers dynamically exerted a form of racism that is rarely observed but genuine.

Picture this: a black police officer uses his authority to beat up an innocent Black kid.

When discussing police brutality, stories should never be reduced to "white cop kills an unarmed black man."

Individuals of African descent are not immune to racism any more than anyone else. Many people believe that racism can only be practiced by those of a particular race or ethnicity, but this is not the case. Racism is not limited to any specific group or ethnicity.

Internalized oppression can contribute to black people's tendency toward racism. A form of oppression known as "internalized racism" occurs when members of a marginalized group come to share the dominant culture's norms and values. This can cause people of color to engage in the same prejudice and discrimination they have experienced.

Another explanation is that people don't know any better and haven't had enough experience with other cultures. People raised in isolated bubbles may never be exposed to the rich diversity of human experience. This can cause people to form negative judgments and biases against those different from themselves.

Racism is not only about discrimination and bigotry but also about the power imbalance between different racial groups. Institutionally, people of color, including black people, have less power and fewer resources than white people in many societies. As a result, while black people may be the target of racism, they may also be the perpetrator of such acts against other marginalized groups.

It's also crucial to understand that racism is a systemic problem with far-reaching consequences. This means that one's actions or inactions can contribute to a system of oppression even if one does not hold racist beliefs or attitudes.

The assumption that racism is a problem that only affects people of color needs to be dispelled. Racism is not limited to people of one race or ethnicity. Everyone, regardless of race, must realize that racism is a social problem that impacts everyone and that ending it is everyone's responsibility. To do so calls for us to examine and hopefully overcome our prejudices and ignorance, to learn about and promote respect for the many cultures that populate our world, and to work tirelessly for a more just and equitable society.

Image courtesy of Mother Jones

About Jim Woods

Jim Woods is a diversity, equity and inclusion expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has worked with organizations of all sizes, from small non-profits to large Fortune 500 companies, helping them to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. Schedule a call with Jim.

Jim is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has a track record of success in implementing effective DEI strategies. He deeply understands the challenges and opportunities that organizations face when building a more diverse and inclusive culture and is skilled at working with leadership teams to develop and execute strategies that drive positive change.

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In addition to his work as a DEI expert, Jim is also a sought-after speaker and trainer. He has spoken at conferences and events worldwide, sharing his knowledge and insights on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. He also frequently contributes to industry publications, sharing his expertise and thought leadership on DEI best practices.

Jim holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in organizational development and human resources.

Jim is a highly respected and accomplished DEI expert with a proven track record of helping organizations build more inclusive and equitable cultures.