Keon West

Dr. Keon West, a social psychologist at the University of London, dives into the complexities of racism, drawing from his book, 'The Science of Racism.' He unpacks how biases shape perceptions and opportunities, emphasizing evidence-based discussions for real change. The conversation highlights the pressures of 'Black excellence' in a biased world and the influence of societal norms on individual prejudice. West also shares practical strategies for combating racism through community engagement and informed media consumption.

Agnes Callard, a philosopher specializing in Socratic thought, emphasizes the power of questioning to navigate identity and ethics. Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a science writer, champions optimism as a tool for overcoming modern challenges. Keon West, a social psychologist, counters by using data to expose the persistence of racism in society, disputing the notion that it’s a fading issue. Together, they explore the interplay of philosophy, psychology, and empirical evidence in addressing these critical topics.

Keon West, a social psychology professor at the University of London and author of "The Science of Racism," dives deep into the mechanics of racial bias and its implications. He discusses significant studies on unintentional racism in education, revealing how biases can distort teacher perceptions of students. The conversation also touches on systemic disadvantages for ethnic minorities and the surprising voting patterns in 'Strictly Come Dancing,' underscoring how racism infiltrates popular culture. West advocates for intergroup contact as a key approach to dismantling these biases.

In this insightful discussion, Prof. Keon West, an expert in social psychology and author of 'The Science of Racism,' reveals stark truths about systemic racism. He shares shocking statistics showing racial bias in job interviews and education. West critiques the flawed idea of color blindness as a solution and emphasizes the importance of diverse interactions. He highlights how unconscious biases affect employment opportunities and the role of media representation in shaping perceptions of race. This conversation is crucial for understanding and tackling racial inequalities.

Academics Keon West and Pragya Agarwal discuss unconscious bias, racism, and systemic discrimination. They explore the limitations of unconscious bias training, societal power dynamics in discrimination, and the challenges of addressing racism nuances. The podcast also delves into diversity backlash and fatigue in workplaces, and the hope for creating equality for future generations.