We are all biased one way or the other

in #bias7 years ago

Here goes. For starters, we are all racially biased. This included blacks, whites, browns, etc. We all hear the same popular media and we are informed and formed in a very similar way.

Contrary to popular belief, bias is not confined to white people.

Decades ago, Jesse Jackson made the comment, "There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps... then turn around and see somebody white and feel relieved.”

More recently (2016), Clarence Page, reknown black writer stated, "A lot of black people don't like black people all that much. I know. I'm one of them. I don't dislike all black people. Most of us are fine."

Stephon Clark, the black man who was shot and and killed by Sacramento Police had tweeted many nasty things about black women in particular.

The trick is to be aware of our bias and focus on the behavior that actually occurred. The problem is, most people don't want to admit they are biased. It is as if they are failed human beings. Nothing could be further from the truth. Admitting bias is an acknowledgement of a smart human being.

Historically, bias is what kept us alive. Bias is a protection mechanism. For the most part, bias is a good thing.