The Rant-Quantifying the Unseen?

Racism in the United States is a pervasive issue that has been present for centuries, often hidden in plain sight. Quantifying the spoken and written words and actions that perpetuate racism can help understand its prevalence and identify areas for education and awareness. Language can both unite and divide, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and marginalizing communities. For example, 64% of African Americans have experienced online harassment, with 45% reporting severe forms of harassment. In 2000, New Haven, Connecticut, used a racially neutral examination process to hire and promote firefighters, but the Civil Service Board feared the absence of Black firefighters, leading to a lawsuit alleging reverse discrimination. The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of non-discriminatory testing procedures, even when outcomes may be perceived as unfavorable. Quantifying racism is essential for understanding the scope of the problem and tracking progress over time. By collecting data on racial disparities in areas like education, employment, politics, and healthcare, we can identify areas where interventions are needed and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs aimed at reducing racism.