Systemic Racism: Do You Recognize it When You See it?

I’d like to share my observation of possible implicit bias seen in a busy Northbrook restaurant before COVID. Remember, implicit bias is shown when we associate and act upon stereotypes about distinct groups of people without our conscious knowledge of those stereotypical thoughts.  

As you listen, please ask yourselves: Is this an example of implicit racial bias? What will I do when I see something like this?

In 2018, I saw two white Northbrook restaurant hostesses take names and ask people to step aside to wait until a table opened up.  A Black couple entered closely followed by several white couples. Everyone was greeted and asked to stand to the side. As tables opened, however, I noticed that every white party that entered after the Black couple was seated before they were.

Everyone, please turn to the person sitting next to you and in the next minute share your thoughts about this using these two questions:  1) Was this an example of implicit racial bias? Please answer with a simple yes or no or unsure. And 2) -what would you do if you saw this scene? I will let you know when time is up. [Begin].  [Stop]

You may wonder what I did. To me, it seemed like the hostesses were ignoring  “first come, first served”, and that the situation could be implicit bias. Maybe I was wrong and the couple wanted a booth.  I don’t know because I only watched; I didn’t speak up.  Later, I consulted with a couple of different groups I belong to. They suggested that I could have asked the Black couple if there was a problem I could help with.  I could have asked to speak with the hostesses, told them what I observed and asked for their comment. I will always regret that I only watched and didn’t ask further questions, but I’m also glad that I didn’t start acting before I knew more facts.

I suggest a new mantra- seek first to understand, then act. When any situation that we are observing or that we are a part of doesn’t look, sound or feel “right”, we need to stand up and make  non-judgmental inquiries.  Asking allows us to move from being passive observers to being active participants in standing up for what is just and equitable. 

Let’s pledge to start looking closer and asking questions of ourselves and of others.