The Everyday Discrimination Scale

[watsup]

The following chart was developed by Dr David Williams of Harvard University to determine if discrimination, such as racism, is present in a person’s life:

In your day-to-day life, how often do any of the following things happen to you?
1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.
3. You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores.
4. People act as if they think you are not smart.
5. People act as if they are afraid of you.
6. People act as if they think you are dishonest.
7. People act as if they’re better than you are.
8. You are called names or insulted.
9. You are threatened or harassed.

Recommended response categories for all items: Almost everyday
At least once a week
A few times a month
A few times a year Less than once a year
Never


As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/davidrwilliams/files/measuring_discrimination_resource_june_2016.pdf

 

[Chillfolks]

If a white person answers yes or at least once a week do you think their pigmenta is playing a role?

 

[Underestimated]

Apply that list to responses in this forum as a poster. But I'll answer.

1. Yes - a few times a year.
2. Yes, but rarely
3. Yes but I don't go back. Maybe a few times a year
4. No
5. Less than once a year
6. No
7. A few times a year
8. Few times a year
9. Less than once a year

 

[KevinKohler]

The following chart was developed by Dr David Williams of Harvard University to determine if discrimination, such as racism, is present in a person’s life:

In your day-to-day life, how often do any of the following things happen to you?
1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.
3. You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores.
4. People act as if they think you are not smart.
5. People act as if they are afraid of you.
6. People act as if they think you are dishonest.
7. People act as if they’re better than you are.
8. You are called names or insulted.
9. You are threatened or harassed.

Recommended response categories for all items: Almost everyday
At least once a week
A few times a month
A few times a year Less than once a year
Never


As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/davidrwilliams/files/measuring_discrimination_resource_june_2016.pdf

Those are all circumspect, as they are based on perception...the ultimate biased source.

 

[watsup]

Those are all circumspect, as they are based on perception...the ultimate biased source.

In the case of a black person who often endures some of the list each and every day, the “circumspection” involves their skin tone.

 

[KevinKohler]

In the case of a black person who often endures some of the list each and every day, the “circumspection” involves their skin tone.

In some cases. And in others, its experienced because its whats expected to be experienced. Perception shapes reality. Spend your life looking for something, you'll find it.

 

[watsup]

In some cases. And in others, its experienced because its whats expected to be experienced. Perception shapes reality. Spend your life looking for something, you'll find it.

In some cases. And in others, its experienced because its whats expected to be experienced. Perception shapes reality. Spend your life looking for something, you'll find it.

You really need to sit down and LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT to a black person tell about their experiences sometime. You have a completely unrealistic understanding of what they go through on a daily basis.

 

[duckgirl]

I don't think any of that is really some kindof definitive scale of racism. Most of that in my opinion would just be dealing with mean, arrogant, and inconsiderate people regardless of skin color. Other than that if it's a yes or no it still just seems like anecdotal evidence or ignorant assumptions about other peoples hearts and intentions. If you go around assuming the worst in people and assume that every slight or less than enthusiastic interaction with you is because of your skin color then even if it's not the reality of the situation you will believe it to be true because that's what you want to believe.

I've interacted with other white people, black people, hispanic people, asian people and others that have treated either me or other people like these descriptions above. I doubt it was because of racism though and probably just because they aren't kind people to begin with or were just having a bad day. If someone is answering yes to those questions and it's on a daily or weekly basis then I would question as to what they are doing in those interactions and where are they going and why. Seems like they may also be part of the problem.

 

[Noodlegawd]

1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.

How would I know how much courtesy or respect other people are treated with?

 

[watsup]

How would I know how much courtesy or respect other people are treated with?

Ummmm……..you could, for instance, ASK THEM.

 

[Noodlegawd]

Ummmm……..you could, for instance, ASK THEM.

What am I supposed to ask them? Is there an objective scale of how respected one has been? What if they got exactly the same treatment I got, but felt less respected as a result of it?

 

[Old 'N Chill]

As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

This is the case for me too, they may have happened once in a blue moon, but my answer is never. I've been around and talked to many friends, coworkers and neighbors of color over the years. They do experience those things on a daily basis in their lives, and it's very sad. I've witnessed some of this discrimination.

 

[watsup]

I don't think any of that is really some kindof definitive scale of racism. Most of that in my opinion would just be dealing with mean, arrogant, and inconsiderate people regardless of skin color. Other than that if it's a yes or no it still just seems like anecdotal evidence or ignorant assumptions about other peoples hearts and intentions. If you go around assuming the worst in people and assume that every slight or less than enthusiastic interaction with you is because of your skin color then even if it's not the reality of the situation you will believe it to be true because that's what you want to believe.

I've interacted with other white people, black people, hispanic people, asian people and others that have treated either me or other people like these descriptions above. I doubt it was because of racism though and probably just because they aren't kind people to begin with or were just having a bad day. If someone is answering yes to those questions and it's on a daily or weekly basis then I would question as to what they are doing in those interactions and where are they going and why. Seems like they may also be part of the problem.

I am always just amazed at how much you white right-winger Republicans know about the everyday lives of black and how they are treated. It's quite certain that none of you have ever sat down and LISTENED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT to a black person discussing the subtle racism that they experience every single day of their lives.

 

[watsup]

What am I supposed to ask them? Is there an objective scale of how respected one has been? What if they got exactly the same treatment I got, but felt less respected as a result of it?

What if they answered "every day" to the questions while you answered TRUTHFULLY rarely or never. Why do you, as a white person, get to judge how they feel that they are treated? There's a name for that, you know.

 

[KevinKohler]

You really need to sit down and LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT to a black person tell about their experiences sometime. You have a completely unrealistic understanding of what they go through on a daily basis.

I guess this is the part where I say "I have black friends", lol?

You need to sit down understand what I'm saying to you. In some cases, blacks, and other minorities, can honestly and truthfully, check all of the boxes you listed. And in some cases, black people, or other minorities, will check boxes regardless, because they see themselves as being treated differently, whether they actually are or not.

 

[Cope]

The following chart was developed by Dr David Williams of Harvard University to determine if discrimination, such as racism, is present in a person’s life:

In your day-to-day life, how often do any of the following things happen to you?
1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.
3. You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores.
4. People act as if they think you are not smart.
5. People act as if they are afraid of you.
6. People act as if they think you are dishonest.
7. People act as if they’re better than you are.
8. You are called names or insulted.
9. You are threatened or harassed.

Recommended response categories for all items: Almost everyday
At least once a week
A few times a month
A few times a year Less than once a year
Never


As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/davidrwilliams/files/measuring_discrimination_resource_june_2016.pdf

Now ask a group of poverty stricken people these questions. They will all be considered victims of racism.

 

[duckgirl]

I am always just amazed at how much you white right-winger Republicans know about the everyday lives of black and how they are treated. It's quite certain that none of you have ever sat down and LISTENED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT to a black person discussing the subtle racism that they experience every single day of their lives.

Just curious but how often does anybody just sit down with anybody else of another race to listen without judgement to a person discussing subtle racism that they experience every single day of their life???? What do you want me and others to do exactly, go to walmart or something and find a random black person and convince them to sit down with me (a person they've never met) so that I can better understand what they go through on a random Monday? You aren't asking me to listen without judgement you are wanting me to go into the conversation already accepting the fact that I am a white racist even if I don't do or say anything racist at all and that the interactions of a random person is to be treated as a systemic issue that I can only see if I listen without judgement....or listen without questioning would be the better word choice. Be honest, that's what you really want from this.

So i'm guessing that this only applies when a black person interacts with a white person though, right? The town I live in for example is pretty much all white, but the town a few miles down the road from me is majority black. Are you implying that if a black person from that town comes here that they will experience subtle racism every time???? And you are the one asking me to not judge????? I don't know you from a hole in the wall but it's pretty obvious that you don't want me or others to listen, you want us to admit some kind of guilt or shame and open our eyes to something that you want us to see but are upset that not everyone else does see.

This is just an odd point of view that you have in my opinion. It's like that white savior or white guilt mentality. I have no problem interacting with anybody of any color, most people don't have that problem either.

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

I guess this is the part where I say "I have black friends", lol?

You need to sit down understand what I'm saying to you. In some cases, blacks, and other minorities, can honestly and truthfully, check all of the boxes you listed. And in some cases, black people, or other minorities, will check boxes regardless, because they see themselves as being treated differently, whether they actually are or not.

I am sure most people can say at some point in time they were treated poorly

How many can say they were stopped by the police for taking a wide turn, asked to get out of their car, handcuffed and searched because of it. Instead of just being given a ticket?

 

[watsup]

I guess this is the part where I say "I have black friends", lol?

You need to sit down understand what I'm saying to you. In some cases, blacks, and other minorities, can honestly and truthfully, check all of the boxes you listed. And in some cases, black people, or other minorities, will check boxes regardless, because they see themselves as being treated differently, whether they actually are or not.

Again, I am just amazed that you know so much about how black people act. Is ther any other race that might do something "regardless".

 

[watsup]

Now ask a group of poverty stricken people these questions. They will all be considered victims of racism.

While that my be, these instances happen to MIDDLE CLASS AND ABOVE blacks on a regular basis. I have heard at least a few anecdote of well-off blacks driving, for instance, a BMW, and being stopped by cops and told "you don't look like you should be driving this car". While these situations my indeed happen to some whites in poverty, the economic class makes no difference when it comes to blacks.

 

[Port & Starboard]

The following chart was developed by Dr David Williams of Harvard University to determine if discrimination, such as racism, is present in a person’s life:

In your day-to-day life, how often do any of the following things happen to you?
1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.
3. You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores.
4. People act as if they think you are not smart.
5. People act as if they are afraid of you.
6. People act as if they think you are dishonest.
7. People act as if they’re better than you are.
8. You are called names or insulted.
9. You are threatened or harassed.

Recommended response categories for all items: Almost everyday
At least once a week
A few times a month
A few times a year Less than once a year
Never


As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/davidrwilliams/files/measuring_discrimination_resource_june_2016.pdf

Harvard has a Asian problem.

 

[watsup]

Just curious but how often does anybody just sit down with anybody else of another race to listen without judgement to a person discussing subtle racism that they experience every single day of their life???? What do you want me and others to do exactly, go to walmart or something and find a random black person and convince them to sit down with me (a person they've never met) so that I can better understand what they go through on a random Monday? You aren't asking me to listen without judgement you are wanting me to go into the conversation already accepting the fact that I am a white racist even if I don't do or say anything racist at all and that the interactions of a random person is to be treated as a systemic issue that I can only see if I listen without judgement....or listen without questioning would be the better word choice. Be honest, that's what you really want from this.

So i'm guessing that this only applies when a black person interacts with a white person though, right? The town I live in for example is pretty much all white, but the town a few miles down the road from me is majority black. Are you implying that if a black person from that town comes here that they will experience subtle racism every time???? And you are the one asking me to not judge????? I don't know you from a hole in the wall but it's pretty obvious that you don't want me or others to listen, you want us to admit some kind of guilt or shame and open our eyes to something that you want us to see but are upset that not everyone else does see.

This is just an odd point of view that you have in my opinion. It's like that white savior or white guilt mentality. I have no problem interacting with anybody of any color, most people don't have that problem either.

I don't know about "every time", but yes, these instances happen to blacks on a regular basis, many times a week for some. And yes, while there is a surface politeness when the blacks come to your town, I highly suspect that they will indeed experience at least some of the instances.
And yes, if you really want to learn about the everyday black experience, the only way to do so is to sit down and LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGMENT when they tell of them. The normal right winger would immediately tell them how wrong they are to "feel that way", just like the normal right winger here at DP IMMEDIATELY makes negative judgments about blacks when the thread concerns them. There's a word for that.

 

[Lisa]

If a white person answers yes or at least once a week do you think their pigmenta is playing a role?

There are either factors that a person can be discriminated against other than their amount or lack of melanin in their skin. Sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, age, language, poverty, ancestry, health, and disability are among the most obvious,.

 

[CLAX1911]

The following chart was developed by Dr David Williams of Harvard University to determine if discrimination, such as racism, is present in a person’s life:

In your day-to-day life, how often do any of the following things happen to you?
1. You are treated with less courtesy than other people are.
2. You are treated with less respect than other people are.
3. You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores.
4. People act as if they think you are not smart.
5. People act as if they are afraid of you.
6. People act as if they think you are dishonest.
7. People act as if they’re better than you are.
8. You are called names or insulted.
9. You are threatened or harassed.

Recommended response categories for all items: Almost everyday
At least once a week
A few times a month
A few times a year Less than once a year
Never


As a white person all my life, some of these items MAY have happened every once in a while, but the answer in my case is basically NEVER. For many if not most blacks, however, some of these items basically happen every single day of their life. Is that an indication of racism in this nation?

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/davidrwilliams/files/measuring_discrimination_resource_june_2016.pdf

1, Almost everyday.
2, almost everyday
3, no idea how to quantify that.
4, almost everyday
5, definitely every day
6, almost every day
7, at least once a week
8, at least once a week
9, at least once a week.

I'm a mixed race person that everybody assumes is white.

I figure most of this happens because I'm a very tall man and people are sometimes genuinely scared of me. 1,2,7 and 9 mostly come from men, no real race or demographic commonality as far as I noticed.

5,6,7,8 are mostly from women. Though I do understand. Like I said I'm a very large man and I can be intimidating looking. I don't fault people for discriminating against me in this way. It is understandable

Maybe you don't face as much because you are female or smaller in stature.

 

[watsup]

1, Almost everyday.
2, almost everyday
3, no idea how to quantify that.
4, almost everyday
5, definitely every day
6, almost every day
7, at least once a week
8, at least once a week
9, at least once a week.

I'm a mixed race person that everybody assumes is white.

I figure most of this happens because I'm a very tall man and people are sometimes genuinely scared of me. 1,2,7 and 9 mostly come from men, no real race or demographic commonality as far as I noticed.

5,6,7,8 are mostly from women. Though I do understand. Like I said I'm a very large man and I can be intimidating looking. I don't fault people for discriminating against me in this way. It is understandable

Maybe you don't face as much because you are female or smaller in stature.

So then you know what many if not most blacks experience on an everyday basis based on their skin tint.