In the latest installment of its ‘What would you do?’
series, ABC News turns on its hidden cameras to show the world what racism, indifference, compassion and solidarity look like up close in the real world.
The setting for ‘Would you stop racism?’ is an upscale New York boutique. Actors portrayed a black woman verbally insulted and falsely accused of stealing by a white actress who plays a racist sales girl. The black actress is then patted down in rough style, and further insulted, by a white male portraying the security guard. We watch the actors’ every move. But, the hidden cameras are also capturing the reactions of the shop patrons. Watching the array of reactions is compelling and informative.
Many shoppers avert their eyes in discomfort, but just say nothing. Another woman is so troubled by the sales woman’s racist accusations and the scene playing out right beside her that she breaks down sobbing. These folks represent what happens when we feel helpless.
But when people feel empowered, they can go one of two ways. They become part of the solution or part of the problem. In one instance, the cameras caught the racist statements of a white man shopping with a companion. As the black actress is loudly defending herself, the white man says “I bet she’s played the black.” Why am I not surprised? But here’s the kicker. When John Quinones confronts the man outside the store, the man cops a sympathetic tone, completely distancing himself from what every viewer just heard (watched) him say. Later, a black man shopping with his wife and daughter protests loudly against the store personnel. He urges the young woman to contact officials and refuses to stay and shop.
But the moment that most moved me is the final one in the piece. A white woman is so disgusted with what she is hearing and seeing, she not only refuses to continue shopping but she inspires the other patrons to drop their purchases and storm out of the store. It is a beautiful moment—it will warm your heart.
Read more by Carmen Dixon on her blog, All About Race.