Experiences, perspectives, and bias.

A few weeks ago I was at an event with other Black growers in the DMV. We were talking about the reelection of the current President and our feelings and how it impacted us directly.

I stated that this country has told Black people and specifically Black Women repeatedly that they don't want or value us. We are here for amusement and labor and cannon fodder but our voices and opinions and needs aren't important.

One man, a veteran and local guy, replied that we all had it pretty good though. Nice cars, full bellies. He told me of trips he, his children, and friends had taken. He said we say these things about how America doesn't love us but we're doing pretty good. What's the complaint?

Now, I'm a stewer. I hear things and sometimes I have to marinate on it for a moment before I can get to exactly why my brain is screaming BULLSHIT and the Kill Bill siren is going off inside my head.

Unfortunately, I don't have his contact information and forgot his name so here's a blog post for ya 😜

This gentleman lives in PG County, which neighbors Charles County, and together they are the two wealthiest majority Black counties in the nation. He is from an environment where he saw Black people succeed and had role models for what that success could look like for him. As a veteran, he was physically able and willing to put his life on the line for a quality education. Those privileges opened doors and granted him access to things that not every Black kid in this country has access to.

His perspective is influenced by his experiences, as is all of ours. However, when presented with new information or opposing perspectives, what do we do? Do we cross our arms and dig in our heels and say "No, fank you!"?

Orrr do we lean in and get curious?

Why do they feel that way?

How did they reach that conclusion?

What events led to that decision?

Are we (or they) letting our biases run wild and make our decisions for us or are we performing a careful analysis of all of the current facts of a situation?

This all came back to mind when I noticed my new fave snack sitting on the island in our kitchen.

They're educationaly delicious.

The school my kid goes to sends bags of food home over the weekend in case the kids don't get fed at home. They also do school lunches in a few places over the summer and have free breakfast and lunch for everyone. These lil snacks come in it. As well as some sandwiches, milk, and other little things, because otherwise, some kids in the wealthiest majority Black County in the country won't eat.

Disparities exist, even here. Your view of the world isn't the only one or even the most valid one. Consider other's perspectives and how they've been influenced by their experiences as well as your own and consider new facts and information before coming to any conclusions.

So yeah, do you feel your experiences shape your perspectives? Can you think of biases you hold?