Aversive racism meaning and practical examples
Aversive racism is a subtle form of racism that involves individuals who believe they are not racist, but still hold negative attitudes and beliefs towards people of other races. These individuals may not openly discriminate against others, but they may still harbor biases that influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Examples of aversive racism include:
1. A job interviewer who unintentionally gives preference to white candidates over equally qualified candidates of other races.
2. A teacher who has lower expectations for students of color than for white students, leading to disparities in academic achievement.
3. A store clerk who follows customers of color around the store, assuming they are more likely to steal.
4. A landlord who rents apartments to white tenants over minority tenants, even if they have similar rental histories and credit scores.
5. A police officer who stops and searches individuals of color more frequently than white individuals, based on stereotypes and biases.
Overall, aversive racism can manifest in various ways, often without individuals realizing they are engaging in discriminatory behavior. It is important to recognize and address these biases in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society.