It is common for people to estimate that they personally experience:
A) little to no discrimination.
B) less discrimination than the average member of their group faces.
C) more discrimination than the average member of their group faces.
D) an unbearable amount of discrimination.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) less discrimination than the average member of their group faces.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “unrealistic optimism” or “better-than-average effect,” where individuals tend to believe that they experience less discrimination than others in their group, even when the opposite may be true. People commonly hold this perception because it is easier to acknowledge the difficulties faced by others than to confront personal experiences of discrimination. By assuming that others face more discrimination, individuals may feel less affected by societal inequalities or biases, reducing personal discomfort or guilt.
Additionally, people may distance themselves from the concept of discrimination by framing their own experiences in a way that feels more manageable. For example, someone who faces occasional bias or prejudice might downplay those instances, interpreting them as exceptions rather than a systemic issue. This can be a defense mechanism to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about inequality and social injustice.
Furthermore, the tendency to think that one personally experiences less discrimination than the group as a whole is also influenced by social comparison. Individuals often assess their experiences in comparison to those of others, leading to the perception that their own struggles are relatively minor. This can be reinforced by societal narratives that normalize or downplay discrimination, leading people to internalize the idea that their own experiences are not as significant or widespread.
This bias can be harmful as it may prevent individuals from fully recognizing and addressing systemic issues of inequality, limiting efforts to advocate for broader social change. It also may discourage marginalized individuals from sharing their experiences, as they might fear that their struggles will not be taken seriously or will be dismissed as less significant than those faced by others.