The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I would imagine that at least all of us have experienced some form of bias, prejudice and oppression. An example that I witnessed was a couple of weeks ago at a bank. An African American male that was dressed "gangster" as one manager said was trying to get money out of his wife's account, which we later found out he was indeed an authorized user. They asked him for multiple forms of ID (which they have never done to myself or my husband) and at first denied him access. He got very frustrated but remained polite and yet they called security. The teller claimed that he was just trying to steal money out of someone's account. Mind you, this man provided his ID, his social security card, a student ID card AND his insurance card (which showed his wife's name as a benefactor). I witnessed all of this first hand but did not speak up because it was obviously none of my business. He was escorted out of the building and told not to come back. I was then helped by the same teller and treated very differently. She did not even ask for my identification even though the primary account holder on the account I was withdrawing money from. I found that very strange and it left a very bad impression on me. I would consider changing banks but all of my online billing info is linked to the account we have with them. Not to mention they are in walking distance from my house! Needless to say it was very unprofessional and certainly an example of bias and prejudice.

This particular incidence diminished equity for the gentlemen who was mistreated because he was not given the power to handle his own business. His rights were taken away at the discretion of a prejudice teller. Several things would have to be changed to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity. First of all, the teller should not assume someone is a liar or scammer based on their clothing or manor of dress. Second of all, the manager should have diffused the situation and treated the man with dignity and respect. Calling security added humiliation to the situation. I would have been happier to at least see the manager work with the man in a professional manor and preferably reprimand the teller as well for her inappropriate behavior.