​Last week I attended an event on Implicit Bias. Each of the 30 or so attendees took a computer-based test, quickly responding when positive words were associated with picture of white men and negative words with pictures of black men and then vice versa. It measured our speed and accuracy, and then ended with a variety of questions. While my score was “little to no preference for European-Americans,” it exposed my bias. While I quickly associated positive words with pictures of white men,
 
I had to make a deliberate, cognitive shift to associate positive words with pictures of black men.

​We live in extreme climates. We cope with debilitating accidents and illnesses. We adjust to wide swings in the economy. In fact, we can learn to live through many changes of condition and circumstance. Human beings are adaptive creatures.
 
And that works for us and against us.

​I am overwhelmed by report after report of violence, corruption, crime, lies, and destruction. Even if I turn it off or stay at home, I cannot escape. Reminders are everywhere. So, like everyone else, I’m faced with the question:
 
How do I respond?