U of M psychology expert discusses impact of Prior Lake racist video

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“I just had this wave of emotions that hit me all at the same time. It was really hard to deal with,” Nya Sigin, the Prior Lake High School student targeted by the video, said in a statement. interview with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Wednesday.

It’s a one-minute video that leaves a lasting impact on Sigin. She called the racist video the worst thing she has ever witnessed in her life.

“This moment keeps repeating itself in my head,” she said.

Richard Lee, a psychology expert from the University of Minnesota, said the video reflects the current racial climate in which we live.

“Especially in the context of everything that’s happened over the last year and a half. It’s sad, angry and disappointing, but also traumatic,” Lee said.

He said the racist attacks in the video can become an emotional trigger for some who watch.

“These two people laughing, mocking and ridiculing an individual who isn’t there, you know, racializing them and then wanting the person to attempt suicide,” he said. “It’s amazing that today we still have people in our communities who feel very entitled to show this kind of prejudice, prejudice and racism and then post them on a social media site in knowing it’s going to be seen by the public and feel like they can do it without punishment without consequences. “

He said this is an example of systemic problems manifesting in young children.

Lee said new research shows racial discrimination online has just as much of a negative impact as someone experiencing it in person.

“We can’t just sweep it under the rug and say this is an isolated incident. I think that’s what we need to do to keep the pressure on to keep things visible and push for change. “said Lee.

He said the onus is on families, educators and communities to start uncomfortable race relations conversations or this incident will not be the last.

“The burden shouldn’t be on communities of color,” Lee said. “It shouldn’t be on black families. It should be on white families to start making changes in their homes.”

Prior Lake High School officials said they had counselors available this week for students struggling to cope with the incident.

Legal analysts have said KSTP charges are possible in the case.

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