As Americans, we cherish the values of equality and opportunity (which are enshrined directly and indirectly, respectively, in the U.S. Declaration of Independence ). Thus, we have a responsibility to create and maintain policies and culture which ensure equal opportunities and freedom for all who inhabit this great country.
However, based on consistently disparate outcomes, we have some problems with these values in practice. Some racial groups (e.g., Black Americans), when compared to White Americans, are disproportionately affected by: low graduation rates; high arrest/incarceration rates; low representation in senior leadership; high poverty; & low household wealth.
The explanation for these ongoing racial disparities can be found either in the idea that it’s something inherent to each racial group, such as culture or biology, or, in the idea that our policies and culture have created a system of disadvantages for some racial groups versus systematic advantages for other racial groups. These 2 potential explanations represent “racism” and “antiracism” respectively.
Continue reading “Racism in America: Values & Myths”