Examples Of Positivity Bias In 'Antwone Fisher'

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Negativity bias is when one is highly reactive and sensitive to their challenging environment, which would induce a sense of “fight or flight.” When there is no threat, one would still feel stressed, uneasy, and disconnected. This is a result of survival instincts hardwired in humans to be able to evade danger. The Polyvagal Theory explains this reaction as a part of the sympathetic state. This theory discusses how one’s behavior is constantly going through a cycle of relaxation (ventral vagal), “fight or flight” (sympathetic), or freeze (dorsal vagal). An example of negativity bias in “Antwone Fisher” is when Antwone is provoked by his fellow soldier due to a racist remark towards him. Antwone begins beating him up and is sent to mandatory therapy …show more content…

That instantaneous action from the other soldier triggered his “fight” response because he was in a sympathetic state. Antwone was angry, irritated, and frustrated; he could not control his behavior. Another example of this negativity bias is from “Skin Deep” by Megan Foss. The main character decided to go back to school and with the help of her sister, Patti, and both were constantly in a sympathetic state when she took algebra. Both were extremely stressed and were physically affected by this due to its physical manifestation of headaches. Positivity bias is when one is able to be present in their environment and have a mindset that focuses on the good. An example of this would be when a person recollects their wedding. They do not focus or recall the anxiety or stress of their big day, but rather the excitement and joy of marrying their spouse. This would take place in the ventral vagal state of the polyvagal theory; in other words, while having a positivity bias, one is in a “relaxed” state. While being in this relaxed state, one is level-headed and calm. In “Antwone Fisher” we see