Demonstration Bias: Does Freedom of Speech Apply to Black Protestors?
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Authors
Fles, Elizabeth
Issue Date
2023-03-24
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Racial Prejudice , Black Lives Matter (BLM) , Implicit Biases , Public Protests , Freedom of Speech
Alternative Title
Abstract
Theoretical research regarding implicit biases can have unintentional effects on subsequent attitudes (Greenwald and Banaji, 1995). The current research explores the extent to which such biases affected the interpretation of public policy. Specifically, we tested whether White individuals interpret freedom of speech protections differently across various protest topic and protestor race. Results provide evidence that the interpretation of the right to free speech is context dependent. Across two studies, we found that respondents reported believing that the first amendment works to protect Americans when the targeted protestor was portrayed as Black (v. White). Attitudes also differed as a function of protest topic.
Description
UB Rise 2023
Department of Psychology
College of Science and Society