Final answer:
Shelly's concern that a Middle Eastern man may be a terrorist, despite her commitment to equality, indicates she has implicit biases. These biases are unconscious and influenced by societal norms, media, and historical events.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Shelly, a white American, sees a Middle Eastern man and worries that he may be a terrorist, she is harboring implicit biases despite her commitment to fair treatment. These biases are unconscious associations and attitudes towards an ethnic or racial group that affect understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. The existence of such biases highlights the pervasive nature of stereotypes and prejudices that can influence a person's perception despite their conscious values.
Implicit biases are formed through exposure to societal norms and can be reinforced by media representation and cultural narrative. Historical and ongoing events, such as the stereotype of Muslims as portrayed in films and the aftermath of terrorist attacks have contributed to the prevalence of these attitudes. Understanding and acknowledging her implicit biases may lead Shelly to actively challenge and change these unconscious thoughts through reflection and education.