Racism Awareness Test

This assessment examines your awareness and attitudes about racial bias, stereotypes, and systemic racism. The questions are based on research from Harvard’s Project Implicit and studies in social psychology.

Time Required: 8-10 minutes
Total Questions: 20
Format: Multiple choice
Purpose: Educational awareness and self-reflection

Question 1 of 20

How often do you notice racial bias in everyday situations?

Very frequently Fairly often Occasionally Rarely or never

Question 2 of 20

Implicit bias refers to attitudes that affect our actions unconsciously. How familiar are you with this concept?

Very familiar, I’ve studied it Somewhat familiar Heard of it, but don’t know much Not familiar at all

Question 3 of 20

Do you believe that everyone has some degree of racial bias, even if unintentional?

Yes, research shows this is true Probably, but not everyone Only some people have bias No, bias is a choice

Question 4 of 20

When you encounter someone from a different racial background, what’s your first reaction?

Curiosity and openness Neutral, treat them like anyone else Slight awareness of difference Discomfort or uncertainty

Question 5 of 20

How often do you actively seek to educate yourself about racism and racial justice?

Regularly, it’s important to me Sometimes, when it comes up Rarely, only if prompted Never, I don’t see the need

Question 6 of 20

Have you ever caught yourself making an assumption about someone based on their race?

Yes, and I actively work to correct it Yes, and I feel uncomfortable about it Maybe, but I’m not sure No, I don’t make such assumptions

Question 7 of 20

Systemic racism refers to policies and practices that create racial inequalities. How would you rate your knowledge of this?

Strong knowledge with examples Basic knowledge Limited knowledge No knowledge or don’t believe it exists

Question 8 of 20

When racism is mentioned in conversation, how do you typically respond?

Engage thoughtfully and listen Listen but rarely comment Feel defensive or uncomfortable Try to change the subject

Question 9 of 20

Have you ever spoken up when witnessing racist behavior or comments?

Yes, consistently Yes, sometimes Rarely, I’m unsure how to respond No, I avoid confrontation

Question 10 of 20

How diverse is your close circle of friends?

Very diverse across races Somewhat diverse Mostly one or two racial groups Not diverse at all

Question 11 of 20

Do you believe that reverse racism (racism against white people) is equivalent to racism against people of color?

No, they’re different due to power structures They’re similar but not identical I’m not sure Yes, all racism is the same

Question 12 of 20

When hiring or evaluating others, how conscious are you of potential racial bias?

Very conscious, I actively check myself Somewhat conscious Not very conscious I don’t think bias affects my decisions

Question 13 of 20

How do you respond when someone calls out your potentially biased statement or action?

Listen, reflect, and thank them Feel embarrassed but try to learn Become defensive initially Reject their perspective

Question 14 of 20

Do you think colorblindness (“I don’t see race”) is a positive approach?

No, it ignores real experiences of racism It has good intentions but is flawed I’m unsure Yes, treating everyone the same is best

Question 15 of 20

How often do you consume media (books, podcasts, shows) created by people of color?

Very often, I seek them out Fairly often Occasionally Rarely or never

Question 16 of 20

Do you believe racial disparities in wealth, health, and justice are primarily due to systemic factors?

Yes, systemic factors are primary Yes, along with other factors Partially, but individual choices matter more No, it’s about individual responsibility

Question 17 of 20

Have you attended workshops, training, or events focused on racial equity?

Yes, multiple times Yes, once or twice No, but I’m interested No, and I don’t plan to

Question 18 of 20

When discussing race issues, do you center the experiences of people of color?

Yes, I prioritize their voices I try to, most of the time Sometimes, but I’m learning I don’t think about this

Question 19 of 20

How comfortable are you discussing your own racial identity and privilege?

Very comfortable, I’ve reflected on it Somewhat comfortable Uncomfortable, it’s difficult Very uncomfortable or resistant

Question 20 of 20

Do you believe anti-racism requires active work, not just passive non-racism?

Yes, being actively anti-racist is essential Yes, though I’m still learning how Maybe, I’m not convinced either way No, not being racist is enough

Your Racism Awareness Results

What This Means

Next Steps for Growth

Share Your Commitment to Anti-Racism

Important Note: This test is designed for educational purposes and self-reflection. It measures awareness and attitudes about racism, not a definitive assessment of your character. Research shows that implicit bias exists in most people regardless of conscious values. The goal is to increase awareness and promote ongoing learning about racial justice.

References

Banaji, M. R., & Greenwald, A. G. (2024). The Science of Implicit Race Bias: Evidence from the Implicit Association Test. Dædalus, 153(1), 21-48. https://direct.mit.edu/daed/article/153/1/21/119942

Greenwald, A. G., McGhee, D. E., & Schwartz, J. L. K. (1998). Measuring individual differences in implicit cognition: The implicit association test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1464-1480.

Project Implicit. (2024). Race Attitude Implicit Association Test. Harvard University. https://implicit.harvard.edu

Devine, P. G. (1989). Stereotypes and prejudice: Their automatic and controlled components. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56(1), 5-18.

Nosek, B. A., Smyth, F. L., Hansen, J. J., Devos, T., Lindner, N. M., Ranganath, K. A., Smith, C. T., Olson, K. R., Chugh, D., Greenwald, A. G., & Banaji, M. R. (2007). Pervasiveness and correlates of implicit attitudes and stereotypes. European Review of Social Psychology, 18(1), 36-88.

Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to Be an Antiracist. One World/Ballantine.