Recognizing my own bias or prejudice .....

@contentandwell
JK, you know your killing me here don’t you. White chocolate hot chocolate delish!!! Guess I’m gonna have to order more candy. Somebody’s goal here is to get me fat.
Jake

@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.

@parus
Oh yum Ihave all the ingredients. Is that the one with maple syrup?

FL Mary

@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

@jakedduck1 Dark chocolate, if you eat the ones that are more than 72% cocoa, are not too fattening and are actually good for your heart and your brain! That's my excuse. By now I must be a real Albert Einstein.
JK

@contentandwell
Hahaha if that’s the case I need a truck load.
Jake

@hopeful33250 I live in NH but am from MA. There are a lot of very biased/bigoted people up here. It's so different from the Boston area I find.
A few years ago my daughter was dating a very successful, well-educated, well-dressed young man from the Dominican Republic. She brought him to a wedding that she was a bridesmaid in. Someone came up to him and asked him if he was the chauffeur, presumably because his skin was darker. My daughter was really upset by that. I tried to tell her they probably thought that because he was just about the best dressed guy at the wedding but she wasn't buying it. Her husband is of Indian heritage and she sees prejudice against him also, particularly in the last few years -- people seem to feel more open to expressing their feelings on the street. Since about half of her "tribe" are non-Caucasian she sees a lot of prejudice these days.
JK

@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

@contentandwell I love the 72% dk chocolate from Trader Joe,s I'm going to try the recipie @Parus wrote about

@contentandwell I have seen the more conservative in the Northeast and now the Liberal in Calif. But a lot of eastern folks have migrated to here . My daughter in law is of India hertitage and is Muslim so everytime like 911 the Muslim community there houses are egged. Her parents place was everytime . So I think prejudice is all over and different in the areas of the country . Down South it is a different prejudice .