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Researchers at Dartmouth College devised a brain scan that could identify race bias. Using a variation of magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, it was possible to map brain activity when volunteers were shown photographs of another race. This mapping was followed by tasks designed to test mental resources. The scientists concluded that harboring racial prejudice, even unintentionally, stirred up an inner struggle that exhausted the brain.
I can’t comment on the brain specifically, but I well know that prejudice of every sort exhausts our culture. Considering these results, it would be intriguing to configure other studies measuring other biases built from things like religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, physical weight, and so on. I wonder if the scientists had the guts to test themselves. I wonder how any of us sharing this moment would fare.
A little soulful tweak for your consideration…
Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Bauman is the Senior Minister at Christ Church.