Why Discrimination Persists in the “Post-Racial Society”

Science-of-EqualityA new report published by the Perception Institute examines why racial discrimination persists in education and health care. The authors conclude that although many people are not outwardly racist, they continue to harbor racist stereotypes that impact their behavior.

Among the findings of the report are:

* Out of fear of appearing prejudiced, teachers may give students of color too little critical feedback.

* Higher rates of suspension amongst black and Latino youth cannot be explained by behavioral differences.

* Stereotype threat contributes to underperformance of stereotyped groups.

Alexis McGill Johnson, executive director of Perception Institute, states that “we carry around all this baggage in the form of stereotypes and biases against people who aren’t like us. Discrimination is real, but racial difference does not have to end in tragedy. There is hope: with awareness, with practice, with checks and balances, we can learn how to reduce bias and treat people equally.”

The 90-page report, The Science of Equality Volume 1: Addressing Implicit Bias, Racial Anxiety, and Stereotype Threat in Education and Health Care, may be downloaded by clicking here.

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1 COMMENT

  1. When you live in a society in which racism in inculcated within the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, we should not be surprised that racism is still running rampant in 2014. That said, these so-called Black scholars need to stop perpetuating this myth that America is “post-racial” because that’s merely another paradigmatic tactic created by the White ruling elites. As a result, it will incrementally disrupt the development of any type of Black consciousness within the Black community.

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