Equality and Discrimination in American Social Life Essay

Introduction

There are differences in wealth, status, power, and many other factors wherever you look in America today. Certain groups appear to have the greater privilege and a higher status than others in society. However, the general conception of justice and fairness posits that all the primary social goods ought to be distributed equally except in the event where unequal distribution is to everyone's advantage (Sterba, 2009). Inequality and discrimination have been discussed extensively in relation to the American society, and it is evident that there is a need to address this issue since it is deeply entrenched in many aspects of life.

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Problems

The Civil Rights Act was meant to bring equality between blacks and whites, but despite the end of segregation, the vast differences are evident. The struggle to end overt discrimination has borne more success than the efforts of attaining educational, economic, or social equality (Wolf, 2014). Blacks have achieved significant advances in high school education, but they still appear to lag behind in college graduation rates. Their poverty rates have decreased with increased income, but a massive wealth gap still exists alongside persistently high rates of unemployment. Across various realms of American life - such as dealing with the police, when voting, in the courts, at work, when applying for loans, and while in stores and restaurants- blacks are treated less fairly than whites ("Discrimination and racial inequality," 2016).

Analysis

The modern world was created via European expansionism, and hence it is fundamentally shaped by the reality of white over non-white domination (Sterba, 2009). It is an essential consideration in inequality since it is embedded in social mores, legal decisions, networks of beliefs, institutions, and structures of economic disadvantage and privilege (Sterba, 2009). The issue of race is not a new one in the American society. Historians point out its unique centrality during America's formation with Leon Litwack saying that America was founded on white supremacy and the notion of black unfreedom and inferiority (Sterba, 2009). Similarly, George Fredrickson also suggested that America had consistently displayed the tendency to advance the differentiation agenda to its obvious outcome where people of color are treated as aliens (Sterba, 2009). The comments from these historians indicate the origins of inequality and discrimination in American society. White privilege has been a constant factor in the political culture, and this has expectedly permeated the social sphere.

The most important theorists in American culture have somewhat ignored talking about the historical truths of white supremacy. The realities have been ignored, dismissed, or minimized and hence racial domination and exclusion have only featured marginally in the country's political history (Sterba, 2009). Many blacks in America suggest that discrimination is primarily centered into the country's institutions and laws, which is a political process. A Pew research found that 61% of the American population wanted changes for black to enjoy the same rights and whites ("Discrimination and racial inequality," 2016). It goes to show that the racial differences are still evident with whites enjoying certain privileges that blacks cannot access.

Potential Solutions

America has a problem with racism. The initial, and most critical, step in this scenario is for the American government and people to declare that there is a problem that needs solving. Therefore, the evasions and silences in American political science on this sensitive issue need rethinking. Many white political philosophers, like John Rawls, have denied the centrality of white racism and its domination in US history (Sterba, 2009). The systemic white privilege has been ignored, and little has been said about redressing the racial injustices. If white supremacy is not recognized, there will be no need of prescribing its remedies (Sterba, 2009).

The sensible thing is to adhere to the first principle of justice that recommends an equal redistribution (Sterba, 2009). The same political influence that brought about inequality and discrimination can help in overseeing the equal reallocation of social resources. A new social contract ought to be drawn up with a clear indication of how the discriminated party is set to be repaid. An ideal mainstream contract is one that involves an impartial state that enforces equal treatment before the law. However, the fact in America is that people of color have undergone colonization, enslavement, and expropriation due to discriminatory legal structures enforced by a non-neutral administration (Sterba, 2009). A government principle should establish a system of equal liberty, opportunity, and distribution of wealth and income in society.

Discussions of race in contemporary ethical theory have been narrowly focused on affirmative action (Sterba, 2009). It is in line with the anomalous mainstream view of racism. Affirmative action uses procedures, policies, and programs that give preference to minority groups in college admissions, job hiring, and the awarding of state contracts among other benefits. It will help since it improves the educational and employment opportunities of the minority groups in America. African Americans can enjoy a higher probability of acceptance into well-paying job opportunities and colleges.

Conclusion

White privilege in America is a reality that everyone needs to acknowledge. It is the first step towards remedying a situation that has oppressed minority races for years. Subordinated races have undergone systematic social stigmatization and economic exploitation. The best solutions can come from the same political systems that brought about the current racial discrimination. Government decrees on equality and affirmative action are examples of approaches to remedy the discriminatory trend that has existed in America for many years.

References

Discrimination and racial inequality. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/3-discrimination-and-racial-inequality/

Sterba, J. (2009). Race and the social contract tradition. In C. Mills (Ed.), Ethics: The Big Questions (pp 315-328). Malden, Massachusetts: Wiley-Blackwell.

Sterba, J. (2009). Welfare liberalism. In J. Rawls (Ed.), Ethics: The Big Questions (pp 296-314). Malden, Massachusetts: Wiley-Blackwell.

Wolf, R. (2014). Equality still elusive 50 years after Civil Rights Act. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/19/civil-rights-act-progress/4641967/