Overcoming Bias through a Subjective Lens

Overcoming Bias through a Subjective Lens

Bias is something that affects all of us. It is a tendency to think or act in a certain way based on our own experiences, opinions, and beliefs. While it is natural for humans to have biases, they can become problematic when they lead to discrimination or unfair treatment of people who are different from us.

One way to overcome bias is to view things from a subjective lens. This means looking at situations and issues from a personal perspective, acknowledging our biases, and trying to understand how they influence our thoughts and actions.

Subjectivity does not mean that objectivity is irrelevant. In fact, objectivity can be complemented by subjectivity to provide a more complete and accurate view of a situation. While an objective analysis may be useful in identifying problems and potential solutions, a subjective analysis can help us understand the lived experiences of those affected by those problems.

For example, let’s consider the issue of police brutality. An objective analysis may look at statistics and data to identify patterns of police misconduct. This can be helpful in the development of policies that prevent future incidents. However, a subjective lens can help us to understand the emotional impact of police brutality on individuals and communities. It can help us to empathize with those who have suffered, and it can inform conversations about how to rebuild trust between police and the community.

The challenge with subjectivity is that it can be difficult to overcome our own biases. We may have a tendency to dismiss the experiences of others that do not align with our own. However, if we are willing to truly listen to others and to acknowledge our own biases, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

In conclusion, by embracing a subjective lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of issues and individuals that we may have otherwise overlooked. While it is important to recognize the value of objectivity, we should not discount the importance of subjectivity in overcoming bias and promoting understanding. By committing to listening and learning from others, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world.