Lies, D*mn Lies, & Statistics: Unpacking Fake Black Stats
Transcript:
Peace. contrary to popular belief, there are not more black men in prison than in college. 75% of black babies are not born to a deadbeat dad. FBI stats do not show black people making up 13% of the population and 50% of the crime. Donald Trump is not polling through the roof with black men.
These are just a few popular myths propagated about black people and perpetuated often by black people. But, as the old saying goes: there are lies, damn lies, and statistics.
Statistics can be manipulated. even facts can be used to propagate an untruth. Therefore, when citing statistics, actual statistics is always important to maintain context for critical analysis. stats can often be used to support a weak argument.
But especially problematic are popular fake stats. stats that feel real but are not. facts that typically appeal to your biases, not your critical analysis. fake stats are especially effective against historically oppressed people.
One, because they usually don't have the platform or the voice amplified loud enough to drown out the lies. Two, because, well, we've been conditioned to believe the worst about ourselves so we quite often aren't even vetting these fake stats. always maintain context for critical analysis. cite your sources.
Because, just as important as what the stat says is who said the stat said that in the first place. what was their methodology? is the stat actually faithful to the conclusion of the findings? Lies, damn lies, and statistics.
Weoutchea.
