Why Does Racial Inequality Persist?

Published May 9, 2023

Glenn Loury argues that racism and slavery have had an impact on the state of Black Americans today, but it isn’t wholly to blame for all current problems. Furthermore, America is not a country that was founded on racist ideals, but rather a country that matured and eventually abolished slavery to live up to the ideal of equality under the law. 

Discussion Question:

1. Why do some people seem to think that racial relations are worse today when they have been improving and are far better than they were even as recently as 50 years ago?

Additional Resources:

• Watch “Not Buying It: Glenn Loury, Ian Rowe, and Robert Woodson Debunk Myths about the Black Experience in America,” on Uncommon Knowledge. Available here.
• Watch “Glenn Loury Interview: Race Relations in America Today,” on Independent Truths via Independent Institute. Available here.
• Read “Discrimination and Disparities,” by Thomas Sowell. Available here.