Unforgettable Racial Experiences in Academia: Insights from a Mixed-Race Individual
Introduction
Throughout my educational journey, I have encountered several instances of racial discrimination and bias. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, my experiences highlight the subtle and overt ways in which racism can manifest, particularly in academic settings. This article delves into some of the most memorable instances of racial discrimination, focusing on my experiences in a mixed-race context and the impact on my academic journey.
Early Experiences at School
As a mixed-race individual growing up in Essex during the 70s and 80s, my educational experience was marked by a lack of diverse peers. In my primary school, there were no other non-white children, making me the obvious choice for playing the character Mowgli in the school play The Jungle Book.
While this may have been a case of unconscious bias, I did face other instances of racial discrimination. In secondary school, which was in a larger town, instances of bullying based on perceived difference were common. Even the seemingly innocuous term 'Paki' can be deeply offensive, as it was used to instigate reactions or to dismiss the individual.
I managed to see through their tactics, recognizing that ANY difference could be used as an excuse to target individuals. Despite the occasional name-calling, it did not affect me personally, and I made a conscious effort to remain composed and focused on my education.
College Experiences: Unfair Tutor Treatment
During my college years, I encountered a disturbingly unfair and biased tutor. Throughout the entire year, the tutor consistently marked my assignments with low grades, despite my efforts to adhere to deadlines and complete assignments diligently. This was particularly troubling as my partner, who was white, did not face this same scrutiny.
One incident stands out in particular. My partner and I had an agreement that he would not submit my assignment as it was to prevent potential issues with plagiarism. However, when I submitted a similar assignment, I received a third-grade (D-). In contrast, while his work was clearly subpar, he received a higher grade. When I challenged this, the tutor suggested we show the assignments to the principal on the grounds of racism.
Following this incident, my grades improved dramatically, but only until the final submission before the exam, where I once again received a D- grade. This all-too-predictable pattern served as a clear message to me that the system was not on my side, and I decided against sitting the exam.
Institutional Racism: The Dissertation Disaster
My academic experience was not only marked by an individual tutor's biased marking but also by systemic issues within the institution. My dissertation tutor's personal views and bias seemed to have affected my academic standing. Not only did he display a Confederate flag on his work truck, but he also referred my dissertation as not being up to standard, leading to my degree being placed in the lower band.
Even more striking was the revelation years later that the same tutor submitted a journal article with nearly identical content to my dissertation. These findings raised serious questions about academic integrity and the role of personal bias in the evaluation process.
Conclusion
My experiences in academia, particularly in racially diverse or largely homogeneous settings, have underscored the insidious nature of racial discrimination and bias. Whether through subtle forms of name-calling or overt unfair treatment, these experiences have a lasting impact on one's self-esteem and academic trajectory.
It is crucial for educational institutions to address and combat institutional racism, ensuring that all students, regardless of race or ethnicity, receive fair and unbiased treatment. Future policies and practices must prioritize equity and inclusivity to create a more just and supportive learning environment for everyone.