Many of us believe in equality, diversity and inclusion. But, at times, it can be challenging to stand up for those values. Bias often gets in the way, whether its our own or the bias of others.
But social scientist Dolly Chugh, who teaches at the Stern School of Business at New York University, says each of us could be doing more to confront our prejudice. In her new book "The Person You Mean To Be: How Good People Fight Bias," Chugh explains ways to spot your intolerance and provides examples about becoming a better ally.
She spoke with KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.
Interview highlights
Being a "good-ish" person: "I use this distinction between being a 'good' person, which is a pretty tight corner to be in. You're someone who doesn't make mistakes, that you don't step in it, and being a 'good-ish' person. A 'good-ish' person is someone who is a work in progress, who is doing their best, but sometimes making mistakes."
Technology as a metaphor: "We all accept that we are going to have to learn some new way to work our phone... the same is true here is on issues that have to do with ethics, or bias, or diversity or inclusion. The world is changing around us, and shouldn't we treat it the same way? Shouldn't we learn from experts and update our knowledge?"
The 20/60/20 rule: "Assume 20 percent of people are ready to go on board with whatever this new thing is. And then assume 20 percent of people are never coming with you. They are stuck where they are... and then there's this middle, big group of 60 [percent]... that is not super engaged in the issue, but they are going to basically go where the wind blows. That's the group that you can actually have a ton of influence over."
