mekka okereke Feb 21, 2023

People like to say that "You can't change people's minds with data!" That's kind of true, but not really. You can definitely get some folk to change their position on topics with data. You can't get other folk to stop being racist/sexist, etc with data, because racism/sexism etc are lies, and the person got themselves into that situation specifically by rejecting the truth.

But good news, not everyone is racist/sexist because they reject the truth. Some people have had the truth kept from them.

Show threadmekka okereke Feb 21, 2023

In the US, there are many issues that most Black folk see one way, and most white folk see the opposite way.

This isn't because Black people are using a different mental model to interpret the same data. It's usually because both groups are using similar mental models, but there is a *significant data asymmetry* between the two groups.

Resolving this data asymmetry, often causes different groups to realize that their mental models were quite similar all along.

Then they work together! ♥️👍🏿

Show threadmekka okereke Feb 21, 2023

This isn't just "Black folk know more than white people!" Yes, this is often true, especially about issues of racism and politics (AKA racism done by elected officials). But often, the information asymmetry is in the other direction.

People that profit from the US being more racially divided, encourage this data asymmetry to exist. They try to increase it.

John DahlquistFeb 21, 2023
Show threadmekka okereke 

Nothing I've said all Black history month has changed anyone's mental model. The racist people hate-following me, still hate Black people. The anti-racist people, still think racism is bad.

All that's changed, is that a few more folks now have a more complete set of data that they can interpret, using the exact same mental model that they had in January. They're now using the same assumptions as a lot of Black folk in the US, and have the same context.

And that's enough for a lot of progress.

Feb 21, 2023 at 7:34pmWeb
Show threadJacebilloFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke and I thank you for that, as I try to detect and talk about racist behaviour in my own country. Thank you again!
Show threadCarlRJFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke I feel like I’m gaining a lot of perspective I didn’t have before. Like I’ve seen a lot of racial injustice on the news. I feel like I’m getting at least a little of what it looks like from in your shoes. That is enlightening and useful.
Show threadrun_atalanta -> beige.partyFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke abd this is why the anti-education people are pushing their agenda, because they are scared to their gills that their children might learn truth, and start asking about other lies they've told.
Show threadKristin BransonFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke Besides being data points, knowing more about how systemic racism is implemented, IMO, makes it more emotionally tangible for someone who has not experienced the same kind of racism.
Show threadJon ReidFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke And there are folks like me who say, “racism bad,” …but from a position of ignorance. Like, I had no idea.
Show threadjadeforrestFeb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke your month of tweets on history has been amazing and I learned a ton.
Show threadMike Taylor 🦕Feb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke You've done a great job. Thank you so much.
Show threadMike RodriquezFeb 21, 2023

@mekkaokereke I've learned a lot from your posts; thank you!

I'm no doubt racist in some ways, partially due to age (born in the 50s) and upbringing, but mostly through ignorance and lack of awareness.

But not consciously or actively, which is probably true for many like me.

It's the small (to us) things that we learn about and help us grow and understand.

Show threadSunnJax 🌷🏳️‍🌈 Feb 21, 2023
@mekkaokereke Thank you for all the work you’ve done sharing your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives this month. I’ve appreciated listening and learning from you.
Show threadGrandpa DonFeb 22, 2023
@mekkaokereke
you're correct in my case. You did not change my mind. But you gave me deeper insight, reinforced my views, and I think gave me better understanding of every Black person's lived experience in this country against the backdrop of 400 years. Every one. You made me yet more acutely aware of inadvertently sending the wrong signal.
Show threadItzme2Feb 22, 2023
@mekkaokereke It’s not nothing.
Show threadNicole ParsonsFeb 22, 2023

@mekkaokereke

I'm not sure where I read this but 3% more of anything can get something to trend.

If you can convince wealthy racists to recognize the national security threat posed by bigotry....

If you can convince American patriots that racism weakens the nation...

If you can convince religious people that racism is antithetical to their faith's values...

If you can convince women that forced birth is a violation of their civil rights against forced labor for the state...

Show threadJohnWFeb 22, 2023

@mekkaokereke It is difficult for me to talk about racism at this time. Because, open mouth, insert foot... rinse, repeat.

I have need of learning both more context, and resolving asymmetry before opening up enough to write about it comfortably.

But so many posts from you and the Black community have helped in that instruction.

Always excellent posts my friend!