Each of us has a bias, a leaning towards one direction over another. In recent times there has been an awakening in the world as we are seemingly confronted with differing perspectives to our own. This is an important advancement in society for us as a species to continue to thrive. Some though, are resisting this awakening, using the term 'woke' in a derogatory way.
I came across a photo last week that was taken by someone who is in the midst of the turmoil of bringing people together by advancing our understanding of each other. The photo was taken on a marae, a meeting place where bias will still be present yet is put to one side and honest conversations are held in a safe environment, often with humour.
For me, the marae epitomises one way forward in our dynamic world if we are to improve as a society. Respecting each other's differences while working towards a common goal of progression and survival.
We can indeed learn a lot from each other if we are able to overcome our learned bias. For a bias is much more than a leaning towards one way or another, it inhibits our ability to see a situation from another's perspective and reduces the possibility of us developing. Our biases hold us back from learning, from understanding, from progressing. Dare I say it, we remain ignorant, lacking awareness.
So how are biases formed? Most biases are implicit, unconscious, and are formed in our formative years when our brain is neuroplastic and easily influenced by the environment in which we grow up.
Our brain prefers to run with a bias by grouping things together, forming associations, stereotyping. We take shortcuts to simplify how we see things, we seek patterns to stay within our (safe) comfort zone, and we are conditioned by those around us to 'fit in' thus feel connected. Overcoming our bias is difficult because we first have to be aware that we have one.
It is said that if we have an open mind then we will have a greater ability to overcome our learned bias. Often this is difficult to do. My preference is to take the longer route, to question everything, including questioning myself. Don't believe anything and question everything. Do so from as many sources as possible. Only then do we have a greater ability to identify our own bias when we compare our thoughts and understandings with that of others.
Is there any better way to do this than by following the rules of whaikōrero (speeches) on a marae? Each speaker taking their turn without interruption. Opposing views coming together to listen to each other, to challenge each other, to question each other, even to argue with each other, respectfully.
The next time that you feel strongly about something with an opposing view, take the time to question why that might be. Is it your upbringing, is it your known and safe pattern, or is it your ease of association that has caused you to think this way? Then challenge that view by questioning yourself in a respectful way.
Question everything, including your own thoughts. You might be right, then again you may not be. We each learn from the other, we are never an expert, for things change. We must always learn if we are to progress and survive.
Let's korero!