Being aware of our biases makes us better humans.

Acknowledging and understanding our unconscious biases is a transformative journey toward becoming better humans. The more you read about biases, the more you realize how biased you can be, and so I have decided to write about it some more. Today, we'll talk about what biases are, and how our awareness to them can elevate our humanity.

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Bias refers to a deviation from the truth or fairness in judgment, often influenced by preconceived beliefs, stereotypes, or personal preferences. It can affect decision-making, perception, and behavior, leading to unfair outcomes. To put it simply, biases are just a shortcut our brain uses to process information quickly. Back in the days, it was quite useful to survive: faced with a mammouth, we had to think quick to live another day!

I used to believe that, while I knew biases existed, I myself didn't hold any. I was raised in a family where difference was celebrated. Memories of my childhood are made of various experiences where my parents brought us to culturally diverse events, made us travel through food and music. My mom was a french teacher to newly arrived immigrants and she brought me along at the end of every semester to meet with her students and exchange with them. It was quite exciting, because it was always during potluck occasions, so I met with new people AND also got to taste all of their most comforting and delicious meals! I remember finding the discovery of different cultures so rich. ''I'm an open-minded individual who have been raised not to be judgemental, I've been exposed to different cultures since my young age, surely I don't hold any biases.'', I was telling myself.

I read something that resonated so well with this. émilie Gagnon-St-Pierre, PhD student in cognitive sciences at UQAM, Montreal, said:

People think, “I don't discriminate because I want things to be fair.” But this is a very damaging myth! It’s like saying, “I can’t get sick because I have a good immune system!” Our prejudices are unconscious.

Coming to terms with the facts that all humans hold biases, no matter how open-minded they can be, is the best thing you can do to have more informed reflexions and to make fairer decisions. It hurts at first to know you're not ''as good'' as you thought you were, but then you realize that knowing you are no different gives you the power to change things. I'm saying it makes us better humans for a few reasons:

1. Fostering Empathy:

Recognizing our unconscious biases requires a deep dive into understanding the lenses through which we perceive the world. This process fosters empathy, allowing us to appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences.

2. Fairness and Equity:

Awareness empowers individuals to challenge and rectify discriminatory practices, contributing to a society where opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of background - everyone wins from a more accessible society!

3. Cultivating Inclusive Mindsets:

Acknowledging biases prompts individuals to question assumptions, fostering a more inclusive mindset, leading to environments where everyone feels valued.

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Understanding our unconscious biases is super empowering, because it allows you to take control of your brain and the way it can be biased. It opens the door to empathy, fairness, inclusivity, personal growth, and stronger connections with other human beings. The power of awareness becomes a guiding light toward a more compassionate, just, and connected world.

And I should end with this: at the very basics of our needs, is connection.