@ethanmcconkey

Thanks for your post, Ethan. Doing a turn-a-round when I feel bias is not an easy task. After I recognize the bias (it usually is accompanied with a churning in the stomach, etc.) I think of that person's situation in life and consider that they may appear the way they do because of unresolved emotional conflicts which have caused them to put on weight, drink, smoke, use drugs, etc. I remember what a radio psychologist said a long time ago, "There is a reason for all behavior." That is so true. If your behavior is exemplary or out-of-tune with what is healthy, there is a reason. Facing that reason can be a very difficult task.

Any other thoughts from the others in this discussion.

@ethanmcconkey
That’s a provocative question. If I do encounter bias in myself, which doesn’t happen too often, Im happy to say, I usually know the reason. That reason is I have fallen into the stereotype trap. However, if you think about or examine the reason for that stereotype you’ll often find that some of that judgement is legitimate. Don’t know if Im explaining that coherently but bias is not always a clearly defined attitude. Also I doubt there is one unbiased person on this planet. The important thing is that you recognize it and try not to act on it. You may never rid yourself of it but there’s no need to be vocal about it either.

As you age and learn and experience I think you get rid of a lot of preconceived notions and attitudes...a sort of mellowing. Although I encounter too many elderly who haven’t changed one bit over the years. I also think my adult grandchildren’s Generation is more open and honest, loving and forgiving.

My thoughts on this really hot FL day...so hot I decided to return home to my AC. Wishing it were snowing here.

FL Mary

@ethanmcconkey I do notice that I am biased at times, especially in crowded places where all sorts of people are. Then I kick myself and remind myself I’m not perfect either! As my dad said, it takes all kinds to make this world. Most people are in situations beyond their control. The problem with weight is mostly the high cost of fresh fruit and veggies and the lack of good grocery stores in lower income areas. Known as ‘food deserts.’ Also, food is a sign of love in many cultures. I encountered so many people trying to feed a dying loved one. They just couldn’t understand that food could do more harm than good.
A good example is when we had lunch with a former graduate student that we had sponsored. He is from India, has a masters degree, and now a good job. He mentioned that he would be ok with his parents setting up an arranged marriage. I just couldn’t believe it! Later, my husband and I watched a good movie about Indian arranged marriages in the US. It is such a strong part of the culture and made sense, so there went my bias! Good question, Ethan

Thank you for your comment/summary? The original post and it’s subject got sometimes hijacked along the way, but that what makes this site interesting. I truly believe nobody is saintly enough not to have grudges, opinions, pre-conceptions, and the one that was foremost in my mind was the most visible one - size-, and the most frequently mentioned in regard to people’s overall health.
Was sort of fun, though, to get sidetracked into chocolate discussions. Not the intent of my post, but entertaining. Even I could not resist with input.

To be honest - I still can’t quite let go of some bias/prejudices. And some may be confirmed. Aside from fat people etc.... an acquaintance who sometimes works with homeless people in church settings absolutely knows that even if given free food and shelter and access to jobs and medical care, in his experience 80% of those people reached will quit their jobs, junk their lodgings, and go back to living on the street. So should I not consider them street people? Or, not “label” them? Or not be upset, either because they won’t let themselves be helped, or because they live on the streets? About to spend some time in Portland, OR, and that is really challenging to walk downtown. Homeless everywhere, like locusts. Mostly harmless, but still smelly, semi-lucid, side-walk dwelling. Not pleasant.
So, I think I still will always harbor some resentment, or just can’t get why people don’t get available help, or why they don’t help each other more.
How about I will give some 2nd thought before judging? But not a 3rd one, if your buggy is full of pork rinds and chips, and you need a scooter to get them into your basket.