When I first delved into the intricacies and depths of unconscious bias, I stumbled upon an old Chinese proverb that profoundly resonated with me: "A fish is the last one to know what water is." This metaphor painted a vivid picture in my mind—a little fish swimming upstream, completely oblivious to the water surrounding it. To the fish, water wasn't just a substance; it was its entire world, providing oxygen, sustenance, and safety. Similarly, unconscious biases flow through our brains, shaping our perceptions, attitudes, words, actions, and relationships.

Explaining this concept using the fish metaphor struck a chord with many in presentations I gave. Unconscious biases are elusive, often lurking beneath the surface of our awareness. While we may not perceive them directly, we witness their effects in societal issues like racism, ageism, sexism, and discrimination. Confronting our biases can be uncomfortable; it requires acknowledging their existence and taking responsibility for their impact.

I've found it helpful to liken ourselves not just to fish but to tadpoles. Tadpoles start their lives immersed in water, reliant on it for survival. As they change from tadpole to frog, they develop the ability to live both in water and on land. Similarly, becoming aware of our biases allows us to transition from solely existing within the confines of unconscious influence to embracing a more conscious, intentional way of living.

Becoming aware of our biases doesn't mean eradicating them entirely; rather, it entails recognising their presence and choosing which ones align with our values and beliefs. Just as the frog leaves behind its aquatic habitat but retains a link with its former environment, we can acknowledge our biases while actively working to mitigate their negative effects.

Choosing to be frogs means embracing our capacity for growth and adaptation. It means acknowledging the biases that have shaped us and making a conscious decision to transcend them. Like the frog venturing onto land, we can explore new ways of thinking, interacting, and existing in the world.

Living as frogs allows us to break free from the constraints of unconscious bias and live more authentically. By consciously examining our beliefs and behaviours, we can cultivate empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in our interactions with others. Rather than being passive recipients of bias, we become active participants in creating a more equitable and compassionate society.



In the journey from fish to frog, we discover the power of self-awareness and intentional living. We learn to navigate the waters of our biases with mindfulness and compassion, forging a path towards greater understanding and unity. So let us embrace our inner frogs, daring to leap beyond the confines of unconscious bias and into the boundless expanse of possibility.