My Reflection on Identity, Bias, and Empathy
What I’ve Learned
At the beginning of this course, I saw identity, bias, and empathy as abstract concepts—important, but distant. Now, I realize they shape the way we interact, both online and offline, in ways I never noticed before.
One of the most eye-opening moments was Taiye Selasi’s TED Talk, where she explained that identity isn’t just about nationality but about experiences and connections. It made me rethink how online communities shape who we are.
TED TALK: Don’t ask where I’m from, ask where I’m a local
Another powerful piece was “War in Translation,” which showed how language can shape narratives, especially in conflict. It made me realize how media and even video games can either tell diverse stories or reinforce stereotypes.
Binna Kandola’s talk on bias made me realize that bias isn’t just personal—it’s built into systems, technology, and the way people interact online. It made me more aware of how algorithms and media can unconsciously reinforce biases.
Lastly, Mays Imad’s video discussion on Trauma-Informed Pedagogy helped me understand that people bring their personal experiences into every conversation. This is important for creating inclusive spaces, whether in classrooms, workplaces, or online. It made me think about how digital platforms, especially games, can either make people feel seen or excluded.
Video: Trauma-Informed Pedagogy & How is Your Heart?
I still have questions:
- How can online spaces be designed to be more inclusive?
- How do our cultural backgrounds shape our biases?
- How can we challenge bias in digital spaces without causing more division?
I hope Soliya helps me explore these questions by allowing me to engage with people from different backgrounds and see how they think.
What I’ve Learned About Myself
This course made me more aware of my own biases. I never thought of myself as judgmental, but I now realize that everyone has unconscious biases. I’ve started paying more attention to my first reactions and asking myself why I think the way I do.
One moment that stood out to me was when I caught myself assuming something about someone based on their accent or background. It made me stop and reflect—why did I think that? Was it based on personal experience, or was it something I had absorbed from media and society? Recognizing this has made me more mindful in conversations.
As I prepare for Soliya, I wonder:
- How do others perceive me in conversations—do they see me as open-minded, confident, or hesitant?
- Do I communicate differently based on who I’m talking to, and if so, why?
- Since bias is often unconscious, what blind spots do I still have, and how can I recognize them?
I think my identity will shape my experience in Soliya. My background and perspectives will be different from others, and I’m curious to see how that affects our discussions. I hope this experience helps me better understand both myself and others.
Interacting with Different People
One of my biggest takeaways from this course is that understanding doesn’t mean agreeing. Before, I thought if someone had a completely different view, there wouldn’t be much to discuss. Now, I see that difficult conversations can still be meaningful if people listen with an open mind.
I also think that communicating across cultures is more complex than I expected. What seems normal to me might be offensive to someone else, and misunderstandings can happen easily, especially in digital spaces.
Some things I still wonder about:
- How do I handle conversations where people strongly disagree with me?
- What’s the best way to challenge misinformation without making people defensive?
- How can I stay aware of my own biases in real time?
Since I haven’t experienced Soliya yet, I don’t know exactly how these conversations will unfold, but I’m looking forward to it. I hope it gives me the chance to practice having meaningful discussions with people from different backgrounds and helps me become a better global citizen.
If Palestine Comes Up in Soliya
If the topic of Palestine comes up, I expect it to be a sensitive and emotional discussion. People have strong opinions, and for many, it’s personal.
If I were leading the conversation, I’d try to:
- Encourage people to listen first before reacting.
- Focus on personal stories, not just political arguments.
- Make sure the discussion stays respectful by setting ground rules.
I know these conversations can get heated, so I’d appreciate:
- A moderator to step in if needed.
- Clear guidelines to keep things balanced.
- Support in handling tough discussions so they stay productive.
Final Thoughts
This course has made me rethink a lot about identity, bias, and digital interactions. I now see how cultural background, language, and systemic bias influence our everyday conversations—both online and in real life.
I know Soliya will challenge me, but that’s exactly why I’m looking forward to it. If I can learn to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and empathy, I’ll be better prepared for real-world discussions that truly matter. This course has already made me more self-aware, and I’m eager to see how Soliya pushes me even further.
I used AI to refine my words, correct grammar and spelling, and generate a title based on my ideas. The content and reflections are entirely my own, with AI assisting in improving clarity and structure. Below is the thread of my original work and the refinements made.
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