Amanda Shaw Chief Information Officer, ARTA

What matters is the willingness to learn( Sigh, okay. Starship Enterprise is Star Trek and the Millenium Falcon is Star Wars).

Prejudice exists because of the things we see and hear growing up. Psychology Today has an excellent article explaining how bias is learned, and while fear had its evolutionary advantages( Run away from the guy with the lightsaber!), continuing to hold onto misplaced, learned fear is harmful.( Is the guy with the lightsaber one of the good guys?)

Many people who were once hesitant toward a community or culture later reflect that they simply needed more information or permission to ask questions without judgment.( What exactly is a Yoda?)

I have had several conversations with my traditionally conservative, Catholic father about bias and hate. He openly reflected on how each generation becomes more and more open to accepting differences— not that long ago, women weren’ t in the workforce, and now it would be strange if we weren’ t! We discussed how his parents grew up when segregation was legal and enforced and people learned their biases through the societal systems in place. I’ m sure I’ m not the only child who heard“ Don’ t use the words Grandpa says!” My parents have acknowledged the biases they held toward the 2SLGBTQIA + community because of the generation they grew up in— the same one most of you grew up in— and work to understand. I’ m extremely proud of my parents and am glad I won’ t have to say to my children“ Don’ t use the words Grandpa says!” When curiosity replaces fear or hatred, empathy can follow.

SUMMER 2026 | 39