Is MN unconsciously biased?

[TouchMyToe]

How can all races move forward as equals if there is what seems to be an uncounscious bias on MN in favour of unfavourable comments against BAME being allowed to remain on boards?

"Unfavourable"? Or racist? We all have unconscious bias, or an unfavourable view on something.

I've reported a few things racist/extremelyoffensive,/bullying/goady, and they have been quickly dealt with.

Moderation on MN relies on reporting. If it isn't reported, then the mods will not necessarily see it.

What have you reported that MNHQ has declined to address?

I agree with Echo. I'm not sure the comments you're referring to but from my experience, 98% of the time, MN are (currently) effective in listening to "BAME" posters when it comes to racism. They aren't perfect but I'll give them their due.

I don't think all unfavourable comments equals racism. A post doesn't have to be removed because it's uncomfortable. At least, not on every board. This board is different because it's meant to be a safe space.

I appreciate that others may have a different experience and opinion.

This board is supposed to be a safe space.

But at the end of the day, this all belongs to MN, who can choose to do whatever they like.

[no ideas whether MN has uncounscious bias]

There is currently an active thread with the comments "if you pass for white and get all the associated benefits" which i've reported to MN, yet it remains. Does this not affend the BAME population? @NotSoNewAndShiny, yes this felt uncomfortable....maybe i'm being extra sensitive?

If you've reported it, then MNHQ will have replied/ will reply to you with reasons.

I see you are a new poster. So hope this helps.

I think in general mumsnet is full of people who struggle to accept that others may be different or have different experiences to them. Whether that's race or the ease of getting public transport from their door.

Everyone is unconsciously biased, it just happens to have a disproportionately negative affect on people from BAME backgrounds because the people with all the power are white.

I don't engage with any post on BMN who comes to whine about how unfair this board is, I just report them. From what I've seen, MNHQ are pretty good at removing those comments swiftly.

The thread you mention about "passing for white" doesn't sound inherently offensive, though perhaps this issue may affect you personally. Is it still up OP?

@helpfulperson

I think in general mumsnet is full of people who struggle to accept that others may be different or have different experiences to them. Whether that's race or the ease of getting public transport from their door.

I agree. I wonder if it’s the nature of the internet. We can only relate to or empathise with a name- we can’t see each other’s faces or hear tone of voice or feel what it’s like to be the other apart from what they write.

Hi Toe, I read that thread too. What I felt uncomfortable with was the implicit assumption that someone mixed race would automatically want to 'pass for white' if they are pale enough. There is also the usual number of 'non-racists' saying they don't see race or it doesn't exist.

@CircleofWillis

Hi Toe, I read that thread too. What I felt uncomfortable with was the implicit assumption that someone mixed race would automatically want to 'pass for white' if they are pale enough. There is also the usual number of 'non-racists' saying they don't see race or it doesn't exist.

Exactly...suggesting white is the "better" race. Why has such a thread not been pulled down?

Race does exist.. we interact differently, enjoy different cuisines, have different styles and different life experiences.

I cast an eye over the 'mixed race' thread and thought, after dissing Black people pretending we are the most racist, it'll become Meghan-bashing in the end and Black people will be deemed to be the most racist against her too. Lo and behold...

I didnt put a single comment on there as its a whole archaeic cringefest, they can get on with it.

Yes MN is biased but then it would be. BMN is ok at times if we report then ignore the obsessives who come in here desperate to police what we talk about and tell us what to rhink.

How can all races move forward as equals

I'm ok with racists staying out of our way and opportunities.

About us all being unconsciously biased? When does this begin, do you think?

My 2 year old - nope. My 4 and 6 year olds now, yes, they do wonder whether certain attributes are due to skin colour.

So something seems to happen between 2 and 4/5 ish? is that a natural thing, as in something that I developmental, or is it racist bullshit that they are noticing, and off ourse asking questions of me where I can't dodge the obvious answer so I've been leading them there?

Anyway, yes, agree, we are all biased. Whether it's unconscious? Hmmm. Another question.

@TouchMyToe

There is currently an active thread with the comments "if you pass for white and get all the associated benefits" which i've reported to MN, yet it remains. Does this not affend the BAME population? *@NotSoNewAndShiny*, yes this felt uncomfortable....maybe i'm being extra sensitive?

Can you explain what exactly you didn't like about that statement?

Can you explain what exactly you didn't like about that statement?
Google is your friend. This is BMN, it's a safe space, no need to explain exactly to others. We get it already why OP would not like the statement. Please don't interrupt a safe space, and demand explanations whilst bringing nothing to the thread, but a demand.

If you appear more white looking you are likely to recieve certain benefits over others unfortunately.
No shit Sherlock. We black people just never knew until you arrived to tell us.

@DeeCeeCherry

I cast an eye over the 'mixed race' thread and thought, after dissing Black people pretending we are the most racist, it'll become Meghan-bashing in the end and Black people will be deemed to be the most racist against her too. Lo and behold...

I didnt put a single comment on there as its a whole archaeic cringefest, they can get on with it.

Yes MN is biased but then it would be. BMN is ok at times if we report then ignore the obsessives who come in here desperate to police what we talk about and tell us what to rhink.

How can all races move forward as equals

I'm ok with racists staying out of our way and opportunities.

You weren't wrong there!

So interesting is the assumption that we'd want to be taken for white if we could.

NOT the same, but the times I've been mistaken for mixed race I've been p'd to high heavens. Lots and lots of cussing going on in my head. But I've mostly held it down.

For me, black is most definitely the thing to be.

@TheBlackDarner

Can you explain what exactly you didn't like about that statement? Google is your friend. This is BMN, it's a safe space, no need to explain exactly to others. We get it already why OP would not like the statement. Please don't interrupt a safe space, and demand explanations whilst bringing nothing to the thread, but a demand.

Agreed, this should remain a safe space for BAME

Jamdown123
So interesting is the assumption that we'd want to be taken for white if we could

Exactly. Such nonsense.