"A bias is a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone. Some biases are positive and helpful—like choosing to only eat foods that are considered healthy or staying away from someone who has knowingly caused harm. But biases are often based on stereotypes, rather than actual knowledge of an individual or circumstance.

Whether positive or negative, such cognitive shortcuts can result in prejudgments that lead to rash decisions or discriminatory practices."

From: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/bias

"Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one's tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing.

Unconscious bias is far more prevalent than conscious prejudice and often incompatible with one's conscious values. Certain scenarios can activate unconscious attitudes and beliefs. For example, biases may be more prevalent when multi-tasking or working under time pressure."

From: https://diversity.ucsf.edu/programs-resources/training/unconscious-bias-training#:~:text=Unconscious%20biases%20are%20social%20stereotypes,organize%20social%20worlds%20by%20categorizing.

" You could ask yourself the following:

• Do you exclude certain people from discussions?
• Why did you choose to sit next to that person?
• Why did you decide to hire this candidate?
• Who are the people you spend most of your time with?
• Who are the people you ask for advice?
• Do you feel uncomfortable when you are surrounded by certain people or groups?

We must start to become more aware and more self-reflective. Then we can begin to make small changes. It is going to be uncomfortable, but only if we get comfortable with the uncomfortable, we get to create change."

From: https://annekoopmann.kartra.com/page/unconscious-bias

Before making any decisions, slow down automatic thought processes & behaviors by learning and listening first.

"Through rigorous historical analysis combined with the study of human behavior, Facing History’s approach heightens students’ understanding of racism, religious intolerance, and prejudice; increases students’ ability to relate history to their own lives; and promotes greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities in a democracy."

https://www.facinghistory.org/about-us/offices/canada

Your digital letters will be read on Islamophobia.io even after June 6th. They will touch the lives of many people perpetually and be agents of change continuously.

Where Will Your Letter Go?

• All letters will live publicly here, at Islamophobia.io, an international digital outreach platform that houses everyday stories of Muslim communities, allies, and communities taken as Muslim.
• Letters will be shown in our LIVE exhibit in our Museum. i.e. as letters arrive, the exhibit will grow! READ letters already received!
• Your letters are agents of change, and will be read by the global public. This could mean by politicians, authorities, educators, and students, and the general population.
• You may share your letters, or any other letter, or story here for that matter. They're digital! They each have their own link. Share them in an op-ed, article, newsletter, on social, etc.
• All letters are vetted by trusted officers of Islamophobia.io, and must be in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Write your letter now