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Kelly Paul

Jeremiah Burt

ENGL &101

12- 8- 2022

Bias at times can be seen as harsh and discriminatory, but whether we acknowledge it or

not, we all are affected by bias. Bias comes in all shapes and sizes and can stretch from one

extreme to the other. It can range from a simple bias someone may have for one who does not

have the same likes or tastes, to excluding, criticizing, or hating those who stand out to be

different. Affinity bias has shaped my worldview by narrowing my inner circle to those to whom

I can personally relate to; thus impacts my relationships causing me to exclude and judge those

who do not align with the preference that my bias has formed.

Growing up in Africa, my upbringing was shielded and safe from the pervasive social

and political views that exist here in America. I grew up among diverse ethnic cultures and lived

in extremely rural areas, removed from many social pressures, popular culture, and common

stereotypes from the world around me. This type of upbringing has resulted in a unique and

somewhat protected outlook. Having this kind of childhood, I have developed a certain bias

toward people with very different backgrounds and beliefs. When I interact with others, I often

put up immediate barriers and treat people differently if I am not able to fully relate to them.

Although this is a natural inclination that most people will choose to spend time with those who

have familiar views, this bias can be on the borderline of discrimination if allowed to run its

course. My bias is a type of affinity bias which means I gravitate toward people that are similar

to me and like-minded. Having this bias affects the way I choose companions and work
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collaborators. This can result in the exclusionary treatment of those who differ from the mold of

my preferences. My partiality has gradually developed and, like a muscle, strengthened by use.

Reflecting on where my bias developed, my thoughts take me on a journey back to the 1600s

when Jan van Riebeeck from the Netherlands, landed on the sandy shores of the Cape of Hope in

South Africa, which is the birthplace of the Afrikaans language and culture. This strong unique

Afrikaans manner melded together with the local tribes, and people’s culture influenced and

created the extraordinary way of life I experienced as a child. Speaking a different language,

eating traditional Afrikaans food such as Rusks, Melktart, Bobotie, and braaiing (barbequing) out

in the open may not seem like something to “write home about,” but these traditions have

instilled in me a preference toward my own people and our culture. I grew up among villages and

tribes that were isolated from western influences and lifestyle; my life was simple, genuine, and

reflected the rich traditions of African society. Living in a home that was family-oriented and

fostered strong morals and taught good values set me on a path of high standards and very

specific beliefs. Having these solid influences to anchor me has been a huge part of shaping me

into the person and views I hold today.

With each interaction I have with others, I unconsciously prioritize people with similar

backgrounds, interests, and appearances before fully knowing or understanding the individual. I

have found that because of my extraordinary circumstances I have a hard time relating to those

who have grown up knowing the popular culture and have strong political views.

Acknowledging that I have this moderate bias has made me more aware of how I interact and

think about others. Broadening my inner circle and being willing to step out of my comfort zone

when interacting with others will help me better understand and accept those around me. At

times it is easy for me to go into autopilot and go through the motions of life without realizing
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the effects of my actions. In the same way, my bias, if not carefully managed, will cause me to

jump to conclusions and place people into boxes, thus not leaving room for inclusivity.

My affinity bias causes me to seek out those who are similar to me in their beliefs and

culture. Although my bias has emerged and has been shaped by exposure to a specific culture in

my youth, overcoming this bias is essential for my growth and acceptance of others. Doing

research has shown me just how widespread affinity bias truly is. This relentless bias has

infiltrated the lives of many who have frequently and unconsciously allowed it to take root. One

such example of an affinity bias that caused negative and damaging results is demonstrated by a

study by the American Bar Association which shows the following research: “Both blacks and

whites subtly try to get a white partner when asked to team up to do an intellectually difficult

task. In computer shooting simulations, both black and white participants were more likely to

think black figures were armed. In emergency rooms, whites are pervasively given stronger

painkillers than blacks or Hispanics. Clearly, we should spend more effort rigging situations to

reduce universal, unconscious racism” (Tsai and Rosen). Although this is an example of

specifically a racial bias, it ties to the affinity bias as it shows that because of our background or

the information we have been exposed to, changes the way we perceive or interact with others.

An affinity bias withholds many positive praises and rewards that we would give out if

this bias did not have such a hold on how we make decisions and friends. Many times, we miss

the opportunity to learn and grow from others by not setting our biases aside and simply listening

and learning from those we perceive as different. Felicity Menzies, wrote an article titled

“Preferring People Like Us,” states: “Attraction is influenced by whether we perceive a person as

an ingroup or outgroup member. Studies show that, in general, people extend greater trust,

positive regard, cooperation, and empathy to ingroup members compared with outgroup
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members. Our preference for people like us has important social ramifications” (Menzies). There

is this underlying tendency to sift out those who do not coincide with the biases that have been

created. One way to safeguard ourselves and our world from the narrow-minded perception that

affinity bias produces is to first recognize that we have this bias, and then intentionally work

towards setting reachable goals in an attempt to lessen our often impulsive judgments toward

those in our sphere. Learning and obtaining information and background before distancing

ourselves from those who differ from our beliefs and culture can help us gain a better

understanding and acceptance of the individual. Besides working to overcome our biases, being

aware and knowledgeable about how we can avoid falling prey to fostering a strong preference is

essential for our communities and world to become more accepting and overall inclusive.

Protecting ourselves from biases that can fragment our societies can come in the form of

becoming knowledgeable about other cultures and practices --this will help broaden our

worldview and create a space for acceptance and understanding of others.

When making decisions, getting information from multiple sources that do not confirm

what one may already believe to be right, and true is helpful in making unbiased and more

neutral decisions. The best way to combat the inclination to fall into the trap of reverting back to

our ‘old ways’ of thinking is to foster mindfulness and invite in new perspectives other than our

own, which will in turn create awareness and help us notice where exactly our bias originate

from and be conscious and intentional about how we live our lives.

There is unfortunately an epidemic of prejudice that has emerged from the personal

biases each of us has, which has created and is still creating an entire society of less inclusive

individuals. As humans, we are creatures of habit, and our natural instincts draw us to familiar
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and similar people. Acknowledging that we have this inclination can help us come to terms with

our biases and begin the journey toward overcoming them.

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Works Cited

Menzies, Felicity. “Explaining Affinity Bias: Preferring People Like Us.” Include-

Empower.Com, 6 May 2018, https://cultureplusconsulting.com/2015/06/19/explaining-

affinity-bias/.

Tsai, Stella, and Debra Rosen. “Know Thyself .” Americanbar.org, March 09, 2015,

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/woman-advocate/articles/

2015/know-thyself-affinity-bias-in-legal-profession/