Recently, ABC’s tv show, “What Would You Do?” did a segment to see what would strangers do or react if they happen to see a white woman introducing her Asian male fiance to disapproving parents:
“While out to lunch, a white woman surprises her parents with news she’s newly engaged to her Asian fiancé, but they shockingly disapprove.”
If you’re not familiar with the show, this is the premise:
“The program features actors acting out scenes of conflict or illegal activity in public settings while hidden cameras videotape the scene, and the focus is on whether or not bystanders intervene, and how. Variations are also usually included, such as changing the genders, the races or the clothing of the actors performing the scene, to see if bystanders react differently. Quiñones appears at the end of each scenario to interview bystanders and witnesses about their reactions.”
I was pleasantly surprised to see the strangers trying to comfort the actors playing the mixed race couple or trying to alleviate the concerns of the woman’s fake parents.
I’m not a regular watcher of the show, but I do remember seeing this segment either on TV or via social media: “What Would You Do? Bike Theft (White Guy, Black Guy, Pretty Girl)”
And pretty much reinforces the unconscious bias, systemic racism and stereotypes we still have in our country.
