A few thoughts I had is…
Yes we are programmed by our upbringing and society, but to become present in each moment, as hard as that is- if that can be done we can start to realize when we behave some ways and then also the thoughts behind those behaviors. We can become so aware of this so we can change ourselves if we desire to do so. Doing so is not easy as an individual firstly, but then changing and going back to your family and social group and having them observe your difference. How will they respond? Will they encourage or discourage that change?

So, I believe we can be in control of it- it does not need to control us.

Secondly, every society has a racial or some kind of bias or other. When we say the words bias and stereotype- we often association them with negativity. Someone once pointed out since I like India and Indians so much that I am biased toward Indians or I discriminate positively toward Indians so much so I may not pay attention to others around me. This was a few years back. Now I realized I do that since someone pointed it out and I try to remember regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, etc each group has people in it I will get along with and others I won’t gel with. That’s ok but I should not stick to one group only because that limits my exposure to different points of view and learning new things.

Thanks for making me think of this.