Sandrift - Bias & Bigotry

"Bias & Bigotry"

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Why Do I Hate You? (-and why I don't!)

Introduction

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." – Voltaire

Bias, bigotry, and prejudice have cast long shadows on humanity, shaping wars, policies, and social structures. From the witch trials of Europe to the racial segregation of the United States in the twentieth century, these forces have fueled violence, oppression, and injustice. They are not relics of the past but are present realities demanding our attention.

These shadows grow longer as we see families, friends, and communities torn apart by political, religious, and social disagreement. Regardless of your politics or religion, you have doubtless recently encountered friction in your personal or professional life over these topics. Now, more than ever, it is vital to embark on individual journeys of self-reflection to discover why we believe what we believe and prevent future discord.

Having a bias is not inherently a fault. For example, I am biased against snakes. Have I ever been bitten? No, but I am still going to run away! Recognizing a bias in yourself does not mean you’re a terrible person; it just means you’re a person. We damage ourselves and others, however, when we don’t challenge biases that prevent us from forming community.

As we explore the origins and impacts of bias, we discover that much of our prejudice stems from the values and beliefs instilled in us during childhood. Our attitudes and biases, conscious or unconscious, reflect the societal norms we absorb. These early experiences shape our perceptions of the 'other'—those who differ from us in race, religion, gender, or any other distinguishing feature. This reality begs the crucial question:

If we learn our biases, can they also be unlearned?

This book approaches the concept of bias from a sociological perspective, examining how we form biases, how society reinforces them, and how we can challenge our biases individually. I invite you to learn to think for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. Using a sociological lens provides context for how we form biases and holds us accountable to challenge those biases that do not serve us or our community.

Each chapter is an in-depth look at types of biases and how they form. As I mentioned above, much of this deep dive centers on our upbringing and family systems. However, I also briefly introduce current theories on the neurological and emotional processes that play a role in bias formation. I include many personal and historical examples of these concepts and theories in action. Additionally, this book offers tools for challenging your biases, behaviors to avoid, and questions for reflection as you move forward. These tools, admonishments, and reflections are my way of inviting you to expand your perspective. I hope this book can spark a voice in you that challenges you to think beyond your limited perception and seek deeper connection with others.

Key Terms and Important Questions

Before we dive in, let’s frame our discussion by defining terms and posing questions that will guide your reading for the rest of the book. The key terms we’ll use include:

Values: The principles and moral beliefs that guide an individual's or society's behaviors, decisions, and judgments, forming the foundation of what is considered essential and desirable in life.
Attitude: A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in a person's behavior or expressed viewpoints, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Bias: A predisposition or inclination, often unconscious, towards or against something or someone, which can shape perceptions and judgments in a way that is unfair or irrational.
Prejudice: A preconceived opinion or judgment about someone or something that is not based on reason or actual experience, often manifesting as irrational dislike or discrimination.
Bigotry: An obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices, especially when accompanied by unwarranted hatred or discrimination against people of different beliefs, races, or lifestyles.

The process of confronting beliefs that your upbringing, current social group, and even religion handed to you about particular people groups is a necessary, if jarring, process. You might have surprising reactions as you uncover unknown biases within yourself. As you encounter these surprising reactions, ask yourself the following questions:

Where is my reaction coming from? Did I learn this bias through experience, or did I inherit it?
Am I being unnecessarily defensive? Does considering an alternative perspective shut me down?
Do I have an unmet need that is causing me to feel threatened? Is my resentment toward others due to needing something I perceive they are receiving that I am not?

This book will help you identify and categorize your reactions so that you can answer the questions above confidently and know what steps to take next. While self-reflection can be scary and uncomfortable, opening ourselves up to different perspectives can prevent rifts in our community, whether it’s friends, family, or our professional or religious settings. By engaging in this process, I hope you’ll have an easier time warding off harmful biases before they become harmful behaviors.

Read On

This book doesn't claim to have all the answers or offer a magic solution. Instead, it aims to lay the groundwork for asking the right questions. By challenging ourselves to confront our biases, reflect on their sources, and consider the impact of our attitudes and actions, we begin a journey of self-discovery. By looking inward and self-questioning, we can start to untangle the web of biases shaping our view of the world.

I encourage you to jump in fearlessly as we learn together throughout this book the types of biases, how they form, and how to confront them. Ask yourself the tough questions, then find your own answers. While there’s no simple roadmap to eradicating bias, committing to exploration is an important step toward a more Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive society.