The Political Orphanage Is it Racist? Is it Sexist?
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Apr 24, 2025 Jessi Streib, a sociologist at Duke University and the author of "Is it Racist? Is it Sexist?", dives deep into the complex perceptions of racism and sexism across political lines. She introduces concepts like 'acquitters' and 'convictors' to explain differing standards of evidence. The conversation highlights the challenges of recognizing subtle discrimination and the interplay between individual biases and societal norms. Emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue, Streib encourages a nuanced understanding of controversial labels in today's polarized climate.
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Acquitter vs Convictor Mental Models
- People fall into two camps: acquitters who require high evidence to label racism or sexism, and convictors who default to labeling with less evidence.
- These groups use different mental protocols: acquitters focus on individual acts; convictors rely on pattern recognition.
Motivated vs Moderate Mindsets
- Motivated acquitters almost always acquit accusations of racism or sexism, dismissing them as opportunistic or false.
- Motivated convictors almost always convict, trusting that racism or sexism occurred even without clear evidence.
Intent vs Outcome in Judgments
- Acquitters tend to prioritize intent to determine racism or sexism; they want clear evidence that harm was intended.
- Convictors focus on outcomes and patterns, considering unintended effects or implicit bias sufficient for labeling acts sexist or racist.