Event Type: Lecture

Speaker Information: Dr. Sylvia Perry

Dr. Sylvia Perry (Northwestern) : "The Development of Racial Bias Awareness" 

Abstract: Racism continues to permeate U.S. society today. Although many White parents acknowledge the persistence of racism, they often find it challenging to discuss race openly and honestly with their children. This talk explores why many White parents in the U.S. struggle to discuss race and racism with their children and ways to overcome these challenges. First, I will discuss three common myths affecting White parents’ willingness to engage in these conversations with their children: (1) talking about race will make their children racist, (2) their children are too young to understand racism, and (3) race is irrelevant to their children’s lives. Next, I will present data showing how guided discussions on racism—especially those in which parents explicitly identify and discuss instances of racism with their children—can effectively reduce pro-White implicit biases in both White parents and their children. Additionally, I will discuss how parents' awareness of their own racial biases influences their readiness to engage in these conversations and how this awareness connects to other challenging discussions. Finally, I will explore how these insights can inform interventions that support parents in navigating not only racial socialization but also other difficult conversations with their children. 

Contact: Michael Rizzo
mtrizzo@illinois.edu

Sponsor: Psychology Department