Bridges of Understanding: Simple Steps to Overcome Discrimination
Why do we have bias? How do we break the walls of discrimination? Join us as we discover the answers to these questions!
Despite international outcries on eliminating bias, we still find more and more stories relaying incidents of prejudice and stigma. Ever wondered how individuals develop the capacity for discrimination? Here’s your answer!
The brain works in wondrous ways! For example, to tolerate the vast sea of information we receive daily, our brains like to group things together based on shared characteristics. It sure makes things easier when you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel every five seconds, right?
Alas, we can’t have things too easy for us! In some cases, our tendency to categorize the world creates premises for injustice and tension when we apply these cognitive rules onto the one thing we can’t categorize: People.?
While individuals can definitely partake in similar interests and attributes, every person is unique in their own way. On the other hand, many of us get unconsciously blindsided, grouping individuals into what we call the “in-group” and the “out-group.”?
In essence, discrimination is born when we build a wall between the group we identify with, the in-group, and the group we are different from, the out-group. Whether this difference is something as major as religion, or as minor as minor as a favorite sports team, the tendency to favor our own group over others can lead to prejudice. This bias often stems from a need for belonging and security, but it ultimately creates division and inequality. Join us in today’s blog as we explore the true cost of discrimination, delving into strategies we can apply to befriend all individuals of the globe!
Caution: Wall Ahead!
As the walls between us rise, we find ourselves stuck and helpless. Unfortunately, those who experience discrimination pay a high cost, the effects of such experiences rattling their mental health. How? Here are 4 facts about discrimination and psychological well-being:?
Ready? We’re Hammering It Down!
Here’s the good news: Prejudice can be overcome. People come in all forms and traits! When we come across someone who’s notably different from us, it’s normal to feel apprehensive about approaching them. Instead of allowing this anxiety to manifest into avoidance, here’s how we can embrace anyone and everyone!
领英推荐
Are you a racist? Woah, that was a loaded question, wasn’t it? While I’m sure that my dear readers reject notions of prejudice, we may also find ourselves unaware that we hold some level of bias– something that we call: implicit bias . One way to fight this is by acknowledging and challenging different stereotypes. Engage with diverse individuals and listen to their stories. Educate yourself on the beauty of the different worlds you encounter.
We may also find ourselves steering clear from new cultures, under the pretense that we are simply not familiar with them. While it’s understandable, let’s challenge this! Research has been supporting a very simple way for countering such effects: interaction and positivity! Let’s take a moment to not only understand other people’s challenges, but to also engage with them through positive experiences and emotions! How exciting it is to attend a cultural festival, a new holiday and participate in different traditions!
Discrimination fosters when we allocate individuals to a world different from ours. In reality, even if diversity compels us towards different experiences, we all live in the same space. Getting to know one another and nurturing perspective-taking may allow us to create an open environment, one that understands and accepts all. As you develop empathy , the ability to understand other people’s emotions, you allow yourself to view the out-group as more humane and relatable. By having open conversations and accepting vulnerability, we are able to break walls to build genuine connections!
Did you know that eating with your hands is completely normal in Middle Eastern cultures, yet can be seen as extremely impolite in the West? Neither is right or wrong. Yet, this is just one of many examples in which behavior can be perceived differently according to one’s upbringing. Naturally, miscommunication may rise as we mingle with diverse populations. However, through open communication, we can bridge this gap to create a more inclusive and respectful community! If you have concerns, simply asking about it can clear the air and foster understanding. Just remember to approach these conversations with an open mind, avoiding making assumptions!
Breaking The Walls To Build A Bridge
It’s easy for us to dismiss discrimination when we are not the ones affected by it. Let this be a moment for us to reflect on our position in society, noting the many vulnerable groups we’re surrounded with– those who deserve space and opportunities to raise their voices. We hold the power to dismantle these walls of prejudice.
“We rise by lifting others.”
– Robert Ingersoll