This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
The Dangers of Ethnic Profiling ¶
On September 27, 2019, a mixed-race couple in Kenya made headlines after a billionaire went missing and the wife was arrested. When the billionaire was found dead, social media chatter rose to a frenzy, with many calling for the wife's arrest and condemning her ethnic community.
However, this is not an isolated incident. In Kenya and Nigeria, it is common to blame entire ethnic communities for the actions of one individual, without considering the complexities of the situation.
Richard Jenkins of Sheffield University argues that ethnicity does not cause people to do good or bad things. He posits that ethnicity is a historical construct, constructed by social processes, and is 'neither natural nor inevitable.'
So, why does assigning criminality or negative attributes to some communities happen? Understanding socialisation helps. Many people learn negative stereotypes about other communities from their parents or teachers, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice.
According to Wairimu Nderitu, author of Beyond Ethnicism, Mukami Kimathi: Mau Mau Freedom Fighter and Kenya: Bridging Ethnic Divides, stereotypes build up into actual discrimination and ensure the influence of ethnicity on people is exaggerated while the influence of people on ethnicity is underrated.
So, what can be done to change values, beliefs, and attitudes that are deeply entrenched in society? Researchers have established that disrupting one aspect, such as violent behaviour or insulting language, can alter the values held by society.
By teaching balanced information about different ethnic groups, addressing inequalities and inequities between ethnic groups, and promoting inclusive practice, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.
