>What they found was that patients were significantly more likely to follow the doctor's advice if the doctor was the same race as the patient. I heard that st

>What they found was that patients were significantly more likely to follow the doctor's advice if the doctor was the same race as the patient. I heard that story/podcast too, and it may surprise you to know that I am totally on board with its findings. I am totally not surprised by that situation, and I know there are legitimate reasons. But here's where I'll probably get roasted alive for believing: I think whoever needs to be treated by a doctor of the same appearance and race, is not going to be as successful as others who can put aside their emotions and be treated/learn from/emulate people who don't just look like them. Why do you read books, visit HN, discuss and learn from people who don't look like you (or you cannot even see)? The amount of potential benefit in this world is far greater than your own race. It's part of the growing up process to be able to extract information, sort out what's right or wrong, choose leaders, administer society regardless of what the person you're dealing with looks like. Suspicion, mistrust, need for "role modeling", etc. You've got to learn to leave that behind to make progress. Elect someone to represent you because they look like you, have lived the exact same life? Ok. But I think it will also hold you back that you can only ever be represented by such someone. In my view, the attitude you're pointing out will never help someone get out of their bias in the long run. It may temporarily help, but generally only reinforces it.