France 2's new show «Are We All Racist» explores stereotypes and bias through experiments

Aired Tuesday evening on France 2, the new program Are We All Racist? set out to explore the roots of stereotypes and unconscious bias, shedding light on how we perceive others. Hosted by Marie Drucker and Jamy Gourmaud, the show used scientific experiments involving around fifty volunteers placed in seemingly ordinary situations designed to provoke reflection.

The program unpacked the mental shortcuts that can lead to discriminatory behavior. Rather than rehashing past documentaries on racism, this show aimed to examine «the somewhat automatic mechanisms that drive us to categorize», said Arnaud Poivre d’Arvor, president and founder of Phare Ouest Productions, as quoted by Ouest-France.

Two actors, for FranceTV, simulate stealing a bike. The reaction of passersby is radically different depending on the actors.

This experiment speaks volumes about the persistence of racist stereotypes in our society.

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— Ilan Gabet (@Ilangabet) June 17, 2025

Avoiding blame or stigmatization, the program sought to raise awareness by challenging behaviors and assumptions that are often seen as harmless, but aren't.