How do systemic racism and implicit bias contribute to stereotype threat in marginalized communities?

Systemic racism refers to the ways in which racial discrimination is built into the policies, practices, and structures of society, affecting opportunities and outcomes for marginalized communities. Implicit bias is the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence our understanding, actions, and decisions about people based on their race. Together, these factors create an environment where individuals from marginalized groups may feel pressure to conform to negative stereotypes about their race, leading to stereotype threat. For example, a Black student taking a math test might worry that others expect them to perform poorly because of their race, which can cause anxiety and lower their performance. This cycle reinforces the stereotypes and perpetuates the systemic issues that marginalized communities face.