Imagine you’re watching a magic show, and the magician uses an optical illusion to make one object appear bigger than another. In a similar way, recent research suggests that threat, whether it’s from the environment, the person perceiving it, or the person being perceived, can distort our visual perception of racial minorities. These distortions then fuel discrimination. It’s like wearing tinted glasses that make everything look darker or lighter depending on the level of threat we feel. This new model of motivated race perception not only builds on existing knowledge but also generates fascinating hypotheses about how fear-induced discrimination operates. Understanding these mechanisms can help us uncover barriers to intervention and develop strategies to address discrimination more effectively. To dive deeper into this illuminating research, check out the full article!
Based on recent research, I propose that threat stemming from the environment, perceivers, and targets distorts the visual perception of racial minorities in ways that facilitate discrimination. This model synthesizes the growing motivated race perception literature, generates new hypotheses about threat-induced discrimination, and reveals barriers to discrimination intervention.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.