“People are …” …Are they really? …Hold That Assumption Lightly

photo courtesy of csicop.org

HAVE you realized how quick one is, many times, to assume, dismiss or pass judgment on a person or an issue before all the facts are confirmed? It would seem that the human nature is wired such that it is eager to assume some majestic heights over affairs. The sad part is always when one realizes that he had beaten the gun, and assumed or judged wrongly. The impact sometimes is huge.

Holding your assumptions lightly or reserving judgment until all the facts are available is a strong and extraordinary discipline to acquire. Very few people possess this skill. You can possess it too.

I remember in 2006/2007, as a participant of the British Council funded InterAction Leadership Programme, the many lessons learnt in giving a benefit of doubt to a person, situation or circumstance. One of the important take-aways of the programme is, “hold your assumptions lightly”, in other words, things are not always as they seem. As a Nigerian participant, some interesting questions or assumptions popped up during our discussions.

For instance, “Are most Nigerians criminals, corrupt or 419ers? You need to consider this question in the context of the huge atrocities many Nigerians were committing at that time in Europe and America. Assumption 2. “Do all Igbos (an indigenous group in Nigeria) love money?” I remember arguments for and against this question. Assumption 3. “Can the average Yoruba (an indigenous group in Nigeria) person be trusted”? Assumption 4. “Are Hausas (an indigenous group in Nigeria) lazy and always looking for the easy way out?” Assumption 5. “For Nigerians reading this, are people of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria promiscuous and morally wanting?” Hold your thought, what ethnic group just came to your mind? Well, that is part of the issue we are addressing here.

On a larger scale, “Do Blacks tend to criminal activities than other races”? “Are Whites inherently discriminatory”? “Is the African continent all about wars, famine, diseases and corruption”? The list goes on and on.

I am sure you have heard some of these questions or do I call them assumptions. Needless to say that some of these assumptions are insulting to the sensibilities of people from these groups. Sadly however, these opinions are held by not a few people, but are they true, can these assumptions stand the test of rationality, reason or logic?

photo courtesy of buzzquotes.com

In our everyday lives, we will be confronted by situations requiring us to pass judgments based on assumptions, many a time unfounded. However, one needs to resolve to give people the benefit of doubt. Always remind yourself that things are not always as they seem. That one has a particular experience with a people, situation or circumstance does not necessarily mean it is the norm.

Tips on Overcoming Assumptions

Confront the fears that many times push us to judge people by our standards. While white and black are major and popular colours, there is also the grey and all the in-betweens. Think outside the box, avoid stereotypes.

Always remember to hold your assumptions lightly, and reserve your judgment until you have all the facts to the matter.

Always learn to ask questions about a situation or circumstance where your judgment maybe required. Do not rely on hearsay or what convention or tradition says about a thing.

When you have to hold an opinion about a person, consider him or her innocent until proven guilty not the other way round.

Holding assumptions lightly is a major attribute of fairness. Resolve to be fair today. I have resolved so myself.

In your success journey, what insights have you acquired or tips you would like to share? Please share with us. I would like to hear from you. Your feedback is valued.

Also kindly encourage your friends to visit this blog www.iamchukwuemeka.blogspot.com for motivational and inspirational pieces. You may never know how it can benefit them.

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