Page No.

Mahin Sindhwani

ANTH 1031

1 November 2023

Reflection 2

560

Anti-Racism Campaign in Mexico

The video showcases an experiment conducted by researchers in which they engage with

children in Mexico to explore their attitudes and perceptions towards two dolls, one with white

skin and the other painted brown. The experiment begins with researchers asking the children

about their preferences and perceptions, specifically which doll they find more attractive and

which one they consider "bad." Remarkably, the responses from all the children indicate a clear

preference for the white doll over the brown one. This finding is deeply concerning, particularly

since these are young children who have yet to fully experience the complexities of the world,

and it highlights the existence of baseless biases ingrained in society.

The video highlights the issue of inequality based on skin colour, which was particularly

prevalent in Mexico at the time the video was published and continues to persist to some extent.

This type of discrimination is not limited to a specific region but is a global concern. One of the

primary reasons behind these biases is the historical pattern of subjugation and dominance when

white-skinned individuals interacted with darker-skinned individuals. This historical context has

left a lasting impact on the collective consciousness of society, influencing people to perceive

white skin as superior, even if they themselves are not white-skinned. This, in turn, may
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perpetuate these prejudices as children observe differential treatment of individuals based on skin

colour. Additionally, the mass media plays a significant role in shaping children's perceptions.

Children are routinely exposed to various forms of media, including television, movies,

advertisements, and other sources that often perpetuate racial stereotypes. The lack of diversity in

a child's immediate surroundings or witnessing how society treats dark-skinned individuals in a

certain way can also contribute to subconscious biases taking root in their minds.

The video, however, raises important questions about the methodology used in the

experiment. The researchers employed straightforward and blunt questions, such as asking the

children which doll they perceived as "bad." While the children unanimously favoured the white

doll, they struggled to provide reasoning. This highlights that children are not inherently born

with racist intentions but instead absorb these attitudes from their social environment. Moreover,

the final question in the test, asking which doll the children most resemble, revealed complex

issues related to self-identity and self-worth. Some children identified with the brown doll,

suggesting a sense of inferiority, while others selected the white doll, indicating a desire to find

aspects of themselves that aligned with the perceived societal norm.

In conclusion, the video serves as a reminder of the racial inequalities that Afro-Mexicans

and other dark-skinned people face, both in Mexico and globally. While progress has been made,

it is essential to acknowledge that these inequalities persist and must be actively addressed. I am

from India, a nation where discrimination based on skin colour is regrettably common. My

upbringing taught me that I might have to brace myself for the possibility of facing racial bias, a

deeply disheartening consideration; but I have never experienced the feeling of being an outsider

in this new environment. It is indeed a blessing that the society I currently reside in and the

friends I have make me feel exceptionally inclusive, treating me not as an outsider but as an
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equal. While challenges persist, this positive experience reinforces the hope that the world is

evolving into a better place.

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Work Cited

Informativos. “Viral Campaña ‘Racismo En México.’” YouTube, 21 Jan.

2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bYmtq2fGmY.