In the broadest sense, bias is a tendency to lean in a certain direction, often to the detriment of an open mind. Those who are biased believe what they want to believe and refuse to take into consideration the opinions and viewpoint of others. Culture bias is when you are inclined to one way of thinking, perhaps based on how you are raised, or the types of situations you are exposed to or the experiences you have had. Biases are present in many areas like engineering, design, and manufacturing, as well as in social and economic settings.
Culture bias happen where outward appearances of a person or a group dictate how one behaves or interacts with them. Culture biases happen because people generalize characteristics, behavior patterns, thought process and actions of an entire group or community based on the behaviors of a select few.
For the purposes of this article, we will focus on culture bias in a social setting and offer suggestions on ways to train your mind to keep your interactions neutral and free of bias.
#1 Look beyond the surface
When interacting with people from other cultures, take a second, close your eyes and try to understand who they are and where they are coming from without focusing on the color of their skin or outward physical appearances. Outward appearances which can lead to culture bias are superficial and should not be used to judge a person’s character.
#2 Hear the voice as opposed to seeing the voice
Pay close attention to the actual words that the person is speaking. Focus on the content and and try to be have an objective response. Sometimes accents and different pronunciations of common words can confuse. In such cases, ask clarifying questions to get a better understanding.
#3 Avoid identifying labels
When speaking to someone or about someone, don’t add race or religion as a prefix to their name or occupation. For example avoid things like Latina cook, Indian dancer. Celebrate a person’s individuality and identity without a racial prefix or context. Say things like ‘A great cook who specializes in Mexican cuisine’ or ‘A talented dancer who showcases Indian culture so beautifully’. People are just people when you take away all identifying labels.
#4 Think about ‘us’ instead of ‘I’ or ‘me’
At the end of the day, we all have the same basic desires – to have a healthy life surrounded by friends and family, being content and being happy. These needs don’t change based on the color of the skin, facial features or even the way we dress. So rather than thinking of ourselves above everyone else, think about the group as an entity in itself. This type of thinking can help reduce culture biases.
#5 You and you alone are the maker of your destiny
We have to realize that the power of success or failure resides in each of us individually. By recognizing that our successes and the satisfaction of a life lived well does not depend on the people around us, we can have a positive mindset towards anything that life throws our way.
So the next time you meet someone who perhaps doesn’t look like you or even dress like you, take a moment to clear your mind of any preconceived notions, culture related biases and lean in for a heartfelt conversation.
If you are looking for help around conversation starters in a social setting, check out this blogpost.
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