How can we combat hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color?
At this American Public Square student forum, our panelists talked about their experiences with discrimination and microaggression—intentio
“Can I Touch Your Hair?” A Discussion About Experiencing Discrimination
Miller Nichols Library, UMKC
11
Apr
“Can I Touch Your Hair?” A Discussion About Experiencing Discrimination
Miller Nichols Library, UMKC
Panelists
Cecilia-Ananya Belser-Patton is the co-founder of Just Systems, a consulting firm that specializes in restorative practices. An educator, organizer, and professional development facilitator, Cecilia is committed to equity, cultural competency, urban education, and students, families and communities. Her work supports racial and educational equity and social justice.
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Josh Robinson describes his childhood state of mind as “survival mode.” He moved from LA to the Midwest for college, attending Quincy University in Quincy, IL, and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2014. Josh now lives in Independence and works as a fuel transporter for Carter Energy.
Moderator
Kaylee Peile is Project Coordinator for American Public Square. In this role, she is responsible for research and information for American Public Square events.
Kaylee researches facts, statistics, and historical context for the event topics and other projects. Additionally, she manages young professional membership for the organization and is the host for American Public Square’s podcast “At the Square.” Kaylee holds a BA in History from Quincy University and an MA in History from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
FACT SHEET
(read below or download a PDF Fact Sheet)
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DISCRIMINATION IN THE US
57% of young people say they experienced or saw someone targeted or treated unfairly because of their race or ethnicity in the last 12 months. Source
80% of black, 55% of Asian/Pacific Islander, and 52% of Hispanic young people say race relations are a critical concern. Source
In 2017: Source
- 57% of black men and 44% of black women said they had personally experienced racial discrimination when interacting with police.
- 54% of African Americans said they were discriminated against by police “often.” Source
- 61% of African Americans said they believed police are more likely to use unnecessary force on a black person. Source
- 46% of African Americans said they were discriminated against in terms of pay and promotion. Source
- 54% of black men and 39% of black women said they experienced discrimination when trying to buy or rent a house.
- 24% of black men and 14% of black women said they experienced discrimination when trying to vote or participate in politics.
60% of white, 68% of Hispanic, 78% black, and 84% Asian young people said they believe the media portrays black Americans in ways to promote negative stereotypes. Source
In 2017, two-thirds of Muslims in the U.S. (67%) said the country needs to continue making changes to give blacks equal rights with whites.
- 71% of Muslims in the U.S. said that there is a lot of discrimination against black people in the country.
- 20% of U.S. Muslims identify racially as black and 3% identify as Hispanic.
84% of young people say that Muslims face a lot of discrimination in the U.S. today. Source
Almost half of white young men (48%) say efforts to increase diversity harm white people. Source
More than 1 in 3 white young people believe “reverse” discrimination is a serious problem. Source
90% of young people say Americans are very or somewhat divided by race. Source
In 2015: Source
- 20% of Hispanics said they were denied a job they were qualified for due to discrimination.
- 13% of Hispanics said they were denied a house they could afford due to discrimination.
- 49% of blacks and 44% of Hispanics said their race or ethnic background was accurately portrayed in TV and movies only “some of the time.”
- 54% of blacks and 24% of Hispanics said their race was a disadvantage.