by Randalee

An article in Harvard Business Publishing from February of 2021 indicates that reading could increase empathy and emotional intelligence. Which is interesting considering that according to a September 2021 Pew Research Center study, approximately one in four adults (23%) haven’t read even one whole book in the past 365 days! Now I am not outright saying reading can make the world a better place, but it is an easy place to start.

If you are like me, you may see the above articles and say, how do I begin building empathy? And who am I not empathetic enough towards? Fortunately, Harvard also has tests called Project Implicit to help you identify where you may fall short.

Before I explain how you can use this resource, I want to make sure I don’t scare anyone away with the words “bias” or “implicit bias.” According to the National Institutes of Health, “implicit bias is a form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally, that nevertheless affects judgements, decisions, and behaviors.” Every single human being has biases. Implicit biases can be the most difficult to recognize because we often don’t know that we have them and in turn, they can more greatly affect our decision making.

Project Implicit allows a person to take a variety of tests to see what their implicit biases are. If reading for empathy appeals to you, the results of the test can help guide your reading. For example, if I take a project implicit test that says I have an implicit bias towards people based on their skin tone, then I may pick up the book Slay by Brittney Morris or All American Boys by Jason Reynolds in order to better understand the experience of living with a different skin tone. It’s important to keep in mind that changing your perspective and opening your mind can lead to periods of discomfort, and that this type of change won’t happen overnight. Reading one book may not change the world, but it can be a place to initiate positive change within ourselves.

The library has compiled some helpful resources to aid you in your reading for empathy journey:

• Diversity & Belonging Collection – The library has curated a new section titled Diversity & Belonging. This collection of more than 100 books and movies is designed to make everyone feel welcome and to provide a space for those who want to learn more about themselves and others. You can find these items on the first floor of the library.
• Libraries Respond Reading List - This list contains more than 300 items that are all geared toward fighting racism. A link for these resources can be found at the top of our online catalog as well.
• Rainbow Reading List – This list contains more than 70 library materials focused on LGBTQIA+ acceptance and understanding. Also check out our Read with Pride All Year Long shelf on cloudLibrary.

Happy reading!