Understanding Bias: Building Empathy in a Complex World
In today’s politicized world, finding common ground starts with understanding biases in ourselves and others.
*If you would rather watch that read then enjoy the video below.
Let’s talk about something that we all deal with, which is incredibly relevant in today’s world: understanding bias. We all are biased. But what does bias mean? Bias is the notion or perceived influence by personal experience and background. Everyone has biases, both consciously and unconsciously. It’s part of who we are, shaped by our experiences and actions throughout life.
The Nature of Bias
Bias is formed by the experiences we’ve had, the places we’ve lived, and the people we’ve interacted with. For example, I’ve spent most of my life living in the Southeast United States—in Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana—with a brief period in New England. The experiences I had in New England significantly altered some of my biases and opened my mind to new perspectives. Today, working in a fully remote environment, my interactions with a diverse team from around the world, including a Chinese American lead software engineer in Los Angeles and an engineering team in India, have further expanded my understanding of bias. Recognizing and being empathetic toward these differences can make a world of difference in our interactions.
Origins of Bias
Biases originate from various aspects of our personal background:
Cultural Traditions: Different religions and cultures foster distinct biases. Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people, for example, have unique perspectives shaped by their traditions.
Socioeconomic Status: Growing up with or without financial stability influences our viewpoints.
Family Structure: A nuclear family experience is vastly different from being raised by a single parent without siblings.
Life Experiences: Traumas, career experiences, and the types of environments we’ve been in all play a role. Losing a parent, being laid off, or working with an abusive boss significantly impacts our biases.
These experiences shape not only our own opinions but also the perspectives of those we interact with.
The Importance of Recognizing Bias
Recognizing our biases is crucial for several reasons:
Self-Awareness: Understanding our biases helps us become more open-minded and build better relationships.
Empathy: Recognizing that others have different experiences fosters empathy.
There are two primary types of biases:
Cognitive Biases: These come from repetition patterns that help us determine what is normal and just.
Implicit Biases: These are subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding and decisions. The news we consume, the marketing we see, and even simple preferences like Coke vs. Pepsi are influenced by these biases.
Strategies to Mitigate Bias
To mitigate biases, consider these strategies:
Be Less Assuming: Approach situations with an open mind, ask questions, and focus on active listening. Be mindful of others’ experiences instead of assuming you’re always right.
Ask Why: Inquire about motivations and pursuits instead of judging actions. This deeper insight can reveal core reasons behind beliefs, making you wiser.
Practice Empathy: Understand that the world is not black and white. Recognize the shades of gray in complex situations.
Give Before You Take: Focus on caring and building genuine relationships. Acts of kindness and supportive communication break down biases and help find common ground.
Conclusion
In today’s politicized world, finding common ground starts with understanding biases in ourselves and others. It’s okay to understand and still disagree, but it’s not okay to assume you’re always right and others are always wrong.
Always keep bias in mind when you read an article, interact with people, or consume media. Understand their goals and motivations, lean into the differences, and push back when necessary. Recognize that differences are okay, and not everything has to be cutthroat.
What are some biases that you’ve encountered or are working on overcoming? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s continue the conversation and help each other grow. Have a good day.