Today, I’m sharing an extended summary and discussion questions on the book “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People” by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald. This book is a rollercoaster ride through the labyrinth of our subconscious mind, exploring the biases we didn’t even know we had. As an educator, I find the insights from this book to be eye-opening and incredibly relevant for anyone in education or just dealing with human interactions. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone intrigued by the hidden machinations of the human psyche, this book and the accompanying discussion sh ..read more

Books on race and technology are the topic of our blog post today! In today’s digitally-driven world, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of technological advancements, praising them for their efficiency, innovation, and potential for democratization. But what if these very tools are also perpetuating some of the social injustices they promise to eliminate? From seemingly innocuous search engines to complex predictive algorithms, the underbelly of tech isn’t as neutral as we’d like to think. Today, I want to dive into some critical readings that pull back the curtain on how technology isn ..read more

Books on implicit and unconscious bias are the topic of our blog post today! In the realm of education and beyond, the conversations around bias are evolving. Gone are the days when we solely discussed explicit biases—those prejudices we’re aware of and may even openly express. Instead, the focus has now shifted to a far murkier topic: implicit and unconscious biases, the biases that operate in the background, subtly influencing our choices, judgments, and interactions. But don’t mistake their subtlety for insignificance; these biases are often the invisible architects of inequality, the silen ..read more

Books on Residential Schools is the topic of our blog post today! As a Canadian citizen and an educator deeply committed to understanding and reflecting on our nation’s history, I find myself grappling with a complex mix of emotions when it comes to the dark period of residential schools in Canada. The recognition of this deeply flawed system, which sought to erase the culture and identity of Indigenous Peoples, leaves me feeling a profound sense of shame. It’s a chapter of our history that must be examined and understood, not merely as a historical footnote but as a continuous lesson that sh ..read more

So You Want to Talk about Race review is the topic of our blog post today Given the growing importance and relevance of concepts such as race, diversity, and inclusion in our society, I found myself compelled to explore these themes more deeply. It’s with this intention that I delved into “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo, a book that offers candid insights and practical guidance on navigating these often challenging conversations. In crafting my review, I’ve not only relied on my personal reading and reflections on the book but also drawn insights from two well-regarded reviews ..read more

Children’s books about diversity and inclusion is the topic of our blog post today! In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of teaching diversity and inclusion within our classrooms cannot be overstated. The research literature in this regard has clearly emphasized the positive impacts of diversity education, including increased creativity, critical thinking, and empathy among students (APA, 2022). With this evidence in mind, I delved into a meticulous search, informed by my years of classroom teaching and ongoing research in educational studies. My goal was to compile a colle ..read more

One of the most insightful reads I’ve recently indulged in is “The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias” by Dolly Chugh. At its heart, the book delves into the intricacies of unconscious bias and the impact it has on our daily interactions, relationships, and decisions. Chugh beautifully presents the concept of the “good-ish” person. Instead of trying to be “good” and invariably falling short due to our inherent biases, she suggests striving to be “good-ish” — a continuous learner and always in the process of improving. This simple yet profound shift in perspective, as Chugh demon ..read more