But knowing one's own biases and the potential biases of others
   does make for more effective communication when done properly.
   it's not legitimizing their *ultimate* validity - as ultimately,
   I don't there's a heck of a lot of difference between people, on
   a deep-down level.

   But we're also social creatures with social expectations and..
   well, ignore at one's own peril. I've been the hippie-type
   treat-everyone-the-same _without_ paying attention to how I tend
   to appear to different groups of people - because I didn't think
   in terms of "groups". (I still have trouble with that). But I'm
   at least _aware_ of the potential of trouble by those who *do*
   think in terms of groups... and "what my actions represent as a
   member of a group" that I might not even see myself in.