Respecting Differences: The First Step to Radically Reducing Racial Bias

 When we talk about addressing racial bias, the first concept we need to embrace is respect—specifically, respecting differences. It might sound simple, but in practice, it requires a mindset shift that challenges much of what we’ve been conditioned to believe. Respecting differences is not just about acknowledging that other people come from different backgrounds. It’s about genuinely valuing those differences as strengths, learning from them, and recognizing the humanity in every person, no matter how different they may seem.

This is why Respect Differences is the first pillar in The Harris R.A.C.E. Framework™ — a method I’ve developed to help individuals and organizations reduce racial bias in a meaningful way. In this article, I want to dive deep into what it means to truly respect differences and how this one action can help us radically reduce racial bias in our lives, workplaces, and communities.

 Why Respecting Differences Matters

In my own life, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of not respecting differences. Growing up, I was taught that differences—particularly racial differences—were a threat. That mindset led me down a dark path, joining the Ku Klux Klan at the age of 16 and eventually rising to the rank of Grand Dragon of Indiana. During that time, I believed that anyone who didn’t look like me or think like me was the enemy. It wasn’t until after I left the Klan, that I realized how wrong that perspective was.

When we fail to respect differences, we close ourselves off from opportunities for growth, connection, and empathy. We build walls instead of bridges. But when we choose to respect the differences of others—whether those differences are racial, cultural, or ideological—we open ourselves up to richer, more meaningful relationships. We begin to see the world from a broader perspective and, in doing so, we reduce the biases that have been ingrained in us.

 What Does It Mean to Respect Differences?

Respecting differences is more than just tolerating diversity. Tolerance, by definition, means to “put up with” something. But respect goes beyond tolerance. Respect is about valuing diversity. It’s about recognizing that our differences don’t make us less valuable or less capable—they make us stronger, more creative, and more capable of solving the complex challenges that we face as a society.

When we respect differences, we move away from the idea that there is a "default" or "normal" way to be and recognize that every person brings unique experiences, skills, and perspectives to the table. This is especially important in workplaces and communities where diversity can be a powerful asset, but only if it’s respected and valued.

 The Role of Curiosity in Respecting Differences

One of the key barriers to respecting differences is a lack of curiosity. We live in a world where people tend to stay in their bubbles, interacting mostly with those who look like them, think like them, and have similar life experiences. This leads to a phenomenon known as the “echo chamber,” where our beliefs and biases are constantly reinforced, leaving little room for growth or change.

To break out of this cycle, we need to cultivate curiosity. In my own journey, I’ve often reflected on how little curiosity people showed when it came to understanding what I was involved in during my time in the Klan. No one ever asked me about the symbols I wore or the scars I carried. It was as if people were too afraid or too indifferent to ask.

Curiosity, however, is the antidote to indifference. When we approach people from a place of genuine curiosity—asking questions, listening to their stories, and seeking to understand their perspectives—we create space for respect. We learn that their experiences are just as valid as ours, and often, we find that we have more in common than we originally thought.

 How to Practice Respecting Differences

Respecting differences isn’t something that happens automatically. It requires conscious effort and intentional practice. Here are a few ways you can start practicing respect for differences in your daily life and work:

 1. Challenge Your Assumptions

   We all have biases—conscious and unconscious—that shape how we see the world. One of the first steps to respecting differences is to challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself, “What assumptions am I making about this person based on their race, ethnicity, or background?” Once you identify those assumptions, you can begin to question them and replace them with a more open-minded perspective.

 2. Listen More Than You Speak

   Respecting differences involves listening—really listening—to other people’s experiences. This means giving them the space to share their stories without interrupting or dismissing their perspectives. It also means avoiding the temptation to jump in with your own opinions or experiences as a way of minimizing theirs. Instead, focus on understanding where they’re coming from.

 3. Acknowledge the Impact of History

   Racial differences are not just about skin color; they are deeply tied to history and systemic inequities. To truly respect someone’s experience, you need to acknowledge the historical context in which their experiences are shaped. For example, understanding the legacy of slavery, segregation, and redlining in the United States can give you deeper insight into the challenges that Black Americans face today. Without this context, it’s easy to dismiss their experiences as isolated incidents rather than part of a larger pattern of systemic inequality.

 4. Engage in Cross-Cultural Experiences

   One of the best ways to cultivate respect for differences is by engaging in cross-cultural experiences. This could be as simple as attending a cultural event, reading books by authors of different racial backgrounds, or having dinner with someone from a different culture. These experiences help us see the world through different lenses and foster greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity around us.

5. Lead with Empathy

   Respect and empathy go hand in hand. When you approach people with empathy—seeking to understand their emotions, challenges, and experiences—you naturally begin to respect their differences. Empathy allows us to see the world from someone else’s perspective, which in turn helps us break down the walls of bias and prejudice.

The Ripple Effect of Respecting Differences

Respecting differences doesn’t just benefit the person you’re engaging with; it creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual interactions. When you respect differences, you become a role model for others. Your behavior sets the tone for how others in your workplace or community approach diversity. Over time, this leads to a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels valued.

In organizations, fostering respect for differences can lead to better teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving. Diverse teams that respect each other’s differences are more creative and effective because they bring a wide range of perspectives to the table. In communities, respect for differences helps to build bridges across racial lines, reducing tensions and fostering unity.

Conclusion: Respect is the Foundation of Change

The Harris R.A.C.E. Framework™ begins with Respect Differences because respect is the foundation of any meaningful change. Without respect, we can’t have productive conversations about race. Without respect, we can’t build authentic relationships across racial lines. And without respect, we can’t reduce the racial biases that divide us.

But when we choose to respect differences—when we make the conscious decision to listen, to learn, and to lead with empathy—we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable world. And that’s where real change begins.

Let’s start with respect. The rest will follow.