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Once we’ve checked our biases, the next step is practicing fairness. Objectivity means focusing on facts instead of personal feelings or assumptions. Practicing objectivity is a bit like being a fair referee – your role is to focus on what’s happening in the moment, not on who the person is or what you think about them. It’s about practicing fairness in delivering harm reduction services by not favouring one type of person over another in providing care.
Why it matters – Reducing harm needs to be delivered fairly and equitably. Generalizing about people leads to stigma. Being objective about people helps prevent stigma.
How to do it
Ask yourself:
•“What do I actually know about this person’s situation right now?”
•“Am I letting my personal feelings or judgments shape how I treat this person?”
•“Am I treating this person with the same dignity and respect I would want?”
•“Is my language neutral, respectful, and non-judgmental?”
•“Have I considered this person’s unique circumstances instead of generalizing?”
Delivering equal harm reduction care regardless of what your attitude is about them is being objective.
EXPLORE MORE
Want to Be More Objective (YouTube – The Cabrera Lab Podcast)