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Why We Need to Address Racial Bias in Everyday Situations
It’s a scenario many have experienced: I walk into a local café with my toddler, find a cozy spot, and set my daughter in a high chair. After unpacking her breakfast, I settle in for a chat with a friend, waiting for the line to ease so we can order drinks. This ordinary scene can stretch on for over an hour, but it’s usually a pleasant time.
Contrast this with a recent incident involving two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks. They entered the café to use the restroom and meet a local businessman. When employees noticed they weren’t making any purchases, they called the police, labeling the men as trespassers. The ensuing arrest was captured on video and quickly went viral.
This incident reflects a troubling pattern. Take the case of 19-year-old Marcus Smith, who was arrested for purchasing a $350 belt simply because he was questioned about how a young Black man could afford it. Or consider 22-year-old Andrew Johnson, who was tragically shot by police in a Walmart for holding a BB gun that was for sale. Such occurrences highlight the dangers that Black individuals face, often for engaging in mundane activities.
Some may think, “It’s just coffee,” but the reality is much more severe. African American men can be targeted and harmed even when they are not breaking any laws. Consider Stephon Davis, gunned down by police while holding a cell phone, or Eric Lane, who was killed for selling cigarettes. Each of these victims was engaging in everyday actions when they were met with violence.
In response to the Starbucks incident, CEO Brian Mitchell issued a public apology and announced plans to close all 8,000 stores for racial bias training. However, no amount of training can erase ingrained stereotypes. Individuals raised in predominantly white environments or influenced by biased media may perceive a Black person’s ordinary actions as suspicious. This fear can lead to unnecessary police involvement, fueled by racial prejudice.
As a white woman, I recognize my privilege. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when I became a mother to a Black child. The transition from a homogenous family to one enriched by diversity opened my eyes to the subtle yet painful realities of racism. Initially, it was small comments and curious touches aimed at my baby’s hair, leading to assumptions about her background. When my daughter started ballet, an acquaintance remarked that she liked to dance because it was “in her.” Such statements, though seemingly innocuous, reveal underlying biases.
Some experiences were overt, like when someone referred to my son as a “little thug” or when a passing car shouted a racial slur at my daughters. Ignoring these instances is not an option. When people claim, “Why is it always about race?” they fail to grasp that race is a fundamental aspect of every interaction involving a person of color. The notion of colorblindness is simply a form of denial.
Interestingly, just before I witnessed the viral Starbucks incident, my daughter expressed frustration over the treatment of people of color, saying, “Mommy, I’m tired of white people being mean to brown people.” Children often see the truth that adults overlook.
In public spaces, I can confidently navigate without the fear of police scrutiny, while others cannot. This disparity emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the deeply rooted issues of racism.
Change will not occur until we confront the realities of our society—the beauty of diversity and the painful history of discrimination. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.
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Summary:
Addressing racial bias is crucial in everyday situations, as seen in the Starbucks incident involving two Black men who were unjustly treated. Recognizing privilege and understanding the realities of racism can lead to meaningful change.