Kia ora koutou, I don’t know about you but I’m wondering about this relatively new concept called ‘unconcious’ bias. Is it a real experience or simply a get–out card for racist, sexist, ageist behaviour.
I’ve heard, we’ve all heard, of security guards following dark-skinned people around supermarkets whether there’s been any suspicious behaviour or not. We’ve all read and heard about police stopping people who have not committed any offence, eg they might simply be walking along the street late at night either to go shopping for a forgotten grocery item, fast food filler, or going home from working late or attending a party. They might be driving a vehicle the cop thinks can’t possibly be theirs. This happened to a young Maori woman who was legally driving her uncle’s upmarket car.
Before the concept of ‘unconscious’ bias was dreamed up, no-one among security firms or the police, or State Welfare organisations would admit that ordinary old bias happened at all but now hey – they’ve got a get home free card – they can say, ‘Sorry, terribly sorry, yes it was bias, but it was unconscious ‘
So that makes it okay? That means the perpetrator(s) get home free?
Was it unconsious bias that saw State employees move hundreds of kids away from their whanau to State Homes where they were physically, mentally and sexually abused? No, it was straight out, perfectly conscious, physical, mental and sexual cruelty.
And is the fact that someone says, ‘Sorry, yes it was bias, but it was unconscious,’ supposed to make the person who’s been followed, apprehended, bailed up, whatever, feel better?
Perhaps I might be more inclined to believe this term it if didn’t keep happening among the same groupings. Security, police, State institution employees. And yes, I know, in the community, on the street, in a shop, wherever because bias (eg racist behaviour) exists and believe me i/n my eyes it’s not unconscious.
Its very real, very meant, and vey damaging.
Just stop it.
