Bias is a documentary film from 2018 that shines a light on the issue of unconscious bias, exploring how it affects individuals, organizations, and society at large. The film is directed by Robin Ha and features interviews with prominent experts in the field of psychology and neuroscience, including Mahzarin Banaji, Iris Bohnet, and Joanna Bryson.
The film opens by introducing the concept of unconscious bias, explaining how our brains are wired to categorize and stereotype people based on their appearance, race, gender, and other characteristics. The documentary then explores the various ways in which bias can manifest itself in our daily lives, from job interviews to college issions to police interactions.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that unconscious bias is a pervasive problem that affects everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. However, the film also offers hope, showcasing examples of individuals and organizations that are working to overcome bias and promote equity and inclusion.
One particularly interesting segment of the film focuses on the tech industry, which has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and tendency to perpetuate bias through algorithms and machine learning. The filmmakers interview several women and people of color who have experienced discrimination in the tech industry, as well as experts who are working to develop more inclusive technologies.
Throughout the film, the filmmakers use a variety of techniques to engage the audience and convey their message. They intersperse interviews with real-life stories and statistics, and use animated sequences to illustrate complex concepts. The filmmakers also employ a diverse range of interview subjects, including professionals from various industries, activists, scholars, and ordinary people who have experienced bias firsthand.
Overall, Bias is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that will appeal to anyone interested in the psychology of bias and its impact on society. While the film does not offer any simple solutions to the problem of unconscious bias, it does provide a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of the issue, highlighting the importance of awareness, empathy, and action in creating a more equitable world.