Do We Even Stand a Chance? | #MyFridayStory No. 70

As a marketer, I am fascinated how we can be nudged - or coaxed - into making decisions.

There is conclusive proof, we all carry certain biases, prejudices and stereotypes. Our biases are influenced by exposure to external environmental stimuli throughout our lifetime. Yet, these beliefs are often based on little information, and they are mostly untrue. Our biases, prejudices and stereotypes, are often the cause of us being irrational and incite hostility.

They are laden with prejudices against people of a different race, sexual preference, sex, religion, age or other distinction. Many stereotypes are used to justify social discrimination. These stereotypes help to perpetuate the injustice. If you have ever been treated with injustice, where your worthiness is negated, your unique humanness denied, you will understand the resentment it breeds.

Each of us has our own unique story. We are so much more than any external feature or trait that someone shares with us, or differs from us. Measuring me by how someone in my social group behaves, is unfair to my unique humanness.

There are some stereotypes that assist us to make better decisions. As Yale psychologist Paul Bloom noted, “You don’t ask a toddler for directions, you don’t ask a very old person to help you move a sofa, and that’s because you stereotype.” So, some biases are good for us, helping us to stay clear of danger and make better decisions.

But most biases are unfair, based on weak information, and they are implicit. We gather them over our lifetime and are not aware of them. Meaning, even if you are not overtly biased towards someone, you still unconsciously display prejudice.

Do we even stand a chance?

Yes. The good news is, we can overcome these negative biases. We need to be mindful of our own shortcomings. Being introspective and honest with ourselves about our prejudices, opens our mind to change. We have to question our own thinking and acknowledge that we sometimes act irrationally, carry negative biases and are prejudiced towards others.

With empathy - the ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes - of course we stand a chance.

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