So far, this category has been mostly dedicated to “how not to oppose racism.” What should be done instead?
- Continue the “classical liberal” nonracist consensus that prevailed from roughly 1970-2009 – equality of opportunity, focus on education, focus on success, “content of character.” This was working, providing significant year-over-year, decade-over-decade improvements in the quality of life and the full participation in social institutions for Americans who are in various ethnic minorities. Get back to it!
- Examine the logic of popular narratives carefully – many are fallacious, and rely largely on “all the cool kids are doing it” rhetorical techniques. The existence of “cancel culture” is a huge red flag that there’s something fundamentally flawed in the narrative(s) – if you have to resort to shouting your opponents down, your argument is weak.
- Insist on data, not anecdotes and victimhood narratives (à la Critical Theory). The use of victimhood narratives on the left has likely brought about the rise of “hate crime hoaxes,” many of which are racial in nature. As Glenn Reynolds has said, “The demand for White Supremacy in America far exceeds the supply, drawing inferior substitutes into the marketplace.” See also Wilfred Reilly’s Hate Crime Hoax and Jason Riley’s summary here.
- Push back against shifting definitions. Insist that your interlocutors make their case logically and with set, agreed-upon definitions.
- When statistical disparities are pointed out, do the difficult work of figuring out what (if anything) those disparities mean in terms of “systemic racism.”
- When a prima facie instance of “social injustice” is pointed out, do the difficult work of iteratively analyzing/educating/assessing the situation to actually improve the social system under review. If actual injustice is found, work to right it!
- Don’t fall for easy narratives; listen to “heterodox” minority writers as well. A good start at a list of such is here.
I will also reiterate Sowell’s 3 questions about proposed public policies here. These questions are not only useful in discussion with others, but also to refine your own thinking about many, many public policy issues, including those surrounding race relations.
- Compared to what?
- At what cost?
- Based on what evidence?