Exploring Black and White Accounts of 21st-Century Racial Profiling: Riding and Driving While Black

摘要

Data from 60 qualitative interviews reveal the presence of racial tensions in 21st-century United States. Black participants expressed experiencing racial prejudice while operating automobiles. White passengers also reported witnessing instances of driving while Black (DWB) while riding with Black drivers. Specifically, White participants reported instances of profiling, where they witnessed Black drivers pulled over by police officers, although no traffic violation occurred. Two themes emerged for Black participants: (a) fear that they would be pulled over, and (b) motivation to "survive" the law enforcement encounter. Participants' experiences insinuate a continued racial tension between Black citizens and White law enforcement officers. While the United States has made valuable strides, we still have prejudices to overcome.