Ethics Archives

Systemic Racism in Education: It’s Real and Pervasive

How does systemic racism manifest in the education system? And what can we do to fight it? Systemic racism in the education system is pervasive. It manifests at every level from preschool through primary to secondary school and beyond. To end this cycle for the next generation of children of color, we have to encourage schools to address the opportunity gap between white students and students of color. This article looks at how systemic racism manifests in the education system and how it affects students’ performance and learning experiences in preschool, elementary, and secondary school.

Deceptive Advertising Often Manipulates Statistics

How do companies get away with misleading customers into buying their products? How can statistics be manipulated for deceptive advertising? If a company can’t find a statistic that makes them look good, then they resort to plan B: deceptive marketing. The top two methods for this are to either focus on semi-related figures or to attribute correlation to causation. Learn more about these deceptive advertising techniques below.

The Definition of Racism Is Not as Simple as You Think

What is the definition of racism? When you say the word “racism,” what exactly are you referring to? The everyday definition of racism is not as simple as prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of race. According to Ijeoma Oluo, the author of So You Want to Talk About Race, we usually refer to one of two different (but superficially similar) definitions when we talk about racism. Read about the two definitions of racism, according to Ijeoma Oluo.

Good Sampling in Statistics: How to Avoid Bias

How do you get a good statistical sample? How do some people manipulate their sample selection to mislead others? In How to Lie With Statistics, Darrell Huff explains the criteria for getting a good statistical sample size. Good sampling in statistics is important because bad sampling can lead to unintentional (or intentional) bias and misleading numbers. Keep reading to learn how to get a good sample and avoid bad sampling.

The Question of Human Superiority Over Animals

Are humans superior to animals? Do you think human superiority over animals in certain domains justifies the way we treat them? People want to believe that they are fundamentally superior to animals and that this superiority justifies our dominance over and our treatment of animals. There are three main factors for this justification: our soul, consciousness, and self-awareness. Keep reading for more about the alleged superiority of humans over animals and the real reason humans dominate the earth.

Animals vs Humans: Are We Really That Different?

Are animals vs humans really that different? What do animals and humans have in common? In the modern world, most people believe animals vs humans are fundamentally different. Animals are considered lower beings, a perspective that has dominated human culture for millennia. But it turns out that animals and humans have much more in common than most people think. Keep reading to learn about the similarities between animals vs humans.

Tone Policing: Racism in Another Form

What is tone policing and how does it relate to racism? What unconscious assumptions about race does tone policing reveal? Tone policing is a series of strategies that turn the focus of a discussion from what someone is saying to how they’re saying it. In the context of racism, tone policing is actually a form of microaggression because silencing someone implies that they don’t have the right to be heard. Read about tone policing and how it relates to and perpetuates racism.

Privilege Check: An Important Self-Reflection

What does it mean to check your privilege? And how exactly do you go about doing that? You may have been told to “check your privilege” or have heard someone else being told to do this, perhaps as part of an argument. If you’re told to “check your privilege,” you’re being asked to examine how your belonging to certain social categories (e.g. race, gender, ability) has contributed to your advantageous or privileged position. Here are some things to consider as you check your privilege.

Conversations About Race: How to Face the Divide?

How often do you find yourself discussing issues of race or racism? What is your comfort level in having conversations about race? Race is a sensitive and contentious topic to talk about. However, talking about race is the critical first step in dismantling the structures and eradicating the practices that perpetuate racism. Here are some things to keep in mind when having conversations about race.

What Is Systemic or Institutional Racism?

What is institutional racism? How does institutional racism relate to white supremacy? Institutional or systemic racism is a form of racism that operates on the level of underlying societal structures and systems (e.g. criminal justice system, health care, education, etc.). According to Ijeoma Oluo, the author of So You Want to Talk About Race, institutional racism is a product of the White Supremacist system. Keep reading to understand what institutional racism is and why it can be considered a product of the White Supremacist system.