In this reading, as well as the podcast, stereotypes were discussed. In this reading, the author primarily discussed mind bugs, which essentially are stereotypes. They are defined as, “Ingrained habits of thought that lead to errors in how we perceive, remember, reason, and make decisions.” I like that the author brings light to the fact that everyone has stereotypes. They are built from the time we are young by our culture and those in our surroundings. No matter what we do, and how well we are raised, everyone has stereotypes about certain things. When stereotypes, or as the author says, mind bugs, become a problem, is when they are applied in life because they come with many consequences.

The part that stuck out to me most was when the author discusses how hard they are to get rid of. (personally, I believe that is the meaning behind “mind bugs”). The author says that the reason stereotypes are so hard to get rid of is because they are put into play without us really having a personal vengeance towards everyone. Another reason I believe they are so hard to get rid of is because some stereotypes, as Dr. Bezio mentioned in her podcast, are rooted in truth. For example, she discusses her German background and while yes, if you went to a German dinner, typically beer, sausage, and bread would be involved. While this is true, Dr. Bezio mentions being a vegetarian who wouldn’t normally eat a lot of sausage. So, while this stereotype is partly true, we cannot just assume that because Dr. Bezio has a German heritage that all she likes is beer, sausage, and bakery items.

The author ends by discussing where we go from here. If we know stereotypes, or mind bugs, can come with consequences, yet some are rooted in truth, how do we fix it? The author says it comes down to identifying situations where hidden bias mind bugs operate to then be prepared to shut them down.