Bias In Thank You Ma Am

Affinity Bias in the Judicial System

Every year, roughly 423,077 adjudicated juvenile delinquent cases occur (Loveland). Of those cases, a law journal discussing judicial bias claims, “Statistically, black youth receive more severe sanctioning than similarly situated white youth…” (Loveland). Racial prejudice in the judicial system has been prevalent for decades, which ties into the concept of affinity bias.

Affinity bias is the tendency to gravitate toward those who act, look, and think the same as them

(Su). When it comes to crime, affinity bias is always present, whether it is subconsciously or not.

In the story, “Thank You, Ma'am,” written by Langston Hughes, the author tells the story of a young boy who attempts to steal a woman’s pocketbook.

As demonstrated in this story, Mrs.

Luella identified with Roger, therefore resulting in a positive outcome, as it does in most societal situations today.

In the story, Mrs. Luella displayed compassion for Roger because she empathized with him. After catching him in the act of stealing, Mrs. Luella says, “‘You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. The least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?’’ (Hughes). Mrs. Luella and Roger are both African Americans, so she immediately identified with him. Subsequently, she took Roger home with her, made him wash his face, and cooked him a meal. Mrs. Luella showed affinity bias toward Roger because her compassion was

Owens 2 a direct result of connecting with who he was. As they sat down to eat, Roger revealed that he tried to steal from her because he wanted a new pair of blue suede shoes. Surprisingly, she told him that he could have just asked for the money, and then said, “…‘I were young once and I wanted things I could not get.’... ‘I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God, if he didn’t already know’” (Hughes). Since Mrs. Luella had been in

Luella displayed affinity bias by empathizing with Roger because of his race and background. In today’s society, showing affinity bias towards juvenile delinquents can assist them in leaving a life of crime. The story of a young girl, Alisa, whose criminal activity began when was thirteen, is a perfect example of how affinity bias can turn someone’s life around. Alisa stole, smoked pot, drank, fought, and skipped school. Consequently, she went through treatment centers, probation, and even a “Scared Straight” program. However, it was not until placed in a girl’s group that her life changed, “I was there for well over a year… But all the staff members and the teacher there were the most wonderful, and amazing people I’ve ever been around in my entire life…” (Alisa). The girl’s group put her in an environment with other girls struggling with the same problems. Additionally, the group leaders were females, which allowed them to be able to connect with the girls on a deeper level. Most importantly, Alisa says, “The staff helped me get through all of it and helped me with all of the social skills and coping skills that I would need to be a productive woman in society. They taught me everything I would need to know to be