There Are Two Main Threads In This Chapter Whether Affirmati

There Are Two Main Threads In This Chapter Whether Affirmative Action

There are two main threads in this chapter. Whether affirmative action is a good thing or not, and the historical bookends of Du Bois's 1903 writing, versus Yancy and Butler's 2015 article. So, I want you to answer two different questions this week. (1) W. E. B. Du Bois said that "the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line." Reflecting on Yancy and Butler's discussion on the Black Lives Matter movement, can we say the same thing about the Twenty-First Century? In other words, have things changed, in America, with regards to race? How have they changed? How much? How much further do we need to go? And (2) in our progress toward racial equality, should affirmative action be part of the solution? Why or why not? Be specific in what you see as the benefits and drawbacks of affirmative action programs. MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 250 WORDS. Due November 28, 2021 at 6:00 PM EST

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether the “problem of the color line,” as W.E.B. Du Bois articulated in 1903, persists into the Twenty-First Century is both complex and multifaceted. Comparing Du Bois’s era with the present context, particularly through the lens of Yancy and Butler’s discussion of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, reveals both continuities and significant transformations in the landscape of racial issues in America. While many structural challenges persist, there have been notable advances towards racial equality. This essay examines these changes and considers the role of affirmative action in shaping an equitable future.

Du Bois’s assertion that racial division was the central issue of his time appropriately reflects ongoing struggles. In the early 20th century, racial segregation, disenfranchisement, and systemic discrimination were institutionalized and explicit. Today, although formal segregation policies have been dismantled, systemic racism persists in various forms—mass incarceration, economic disparities, voting rights restrictions, and police violence. The Black Lives Matter movement, which gained prominence in the 2010s, has amplified awareness of these issues, emphasizing that racial injustice remains a critical concern. Yancy and Butler suggest that the “color line” has not disappeared but has evolved, manifesting through social and institutional inequities rather than overt segregation alone. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the problem marked by Du Bois endures but has shifted in its expression.

Significant progress has been made. Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 legally dismantled segregation and expanded voting access, respectively. The election of Barack Obama as the first Black president symbolized a milestone in racial representation. Additionally, greater societal awareness and activism have driven changes in public attitudes, fostering diversity and inclusion initiatives across sectors. Nevertheless, disparities in income, education, healthcare, and criminal justice reveal that racial inequality remains deeply embedded. For example, African Americans and other people of color continue to face barriers to economic mobility and fair treatment, indicating that much work remains to be done.

Turning to affirmative action, its role in promoting racial equality is both significant and contentious. Proponents argue that affirmative action helps address historical injustices by providing opportunities for marginalized groups, thereby fostering diversity in education and employment. It acts as a corrective measure in contexts where systemic barriers have historically hindered access. On the other hand, critics contend that affirmative action can lead to reverse discrimination, stigmatize beneficiaries, and undermine meritocracy. They argue that such policies may create resentment and fail to address the root causes of inequality, such as educational disparities and socioeconomic inequities. Moreover, there is debate over whether affirmative action should be narrowly targeted or more broadly implemented.

In balancing these perspectives, it appears that affirmative action can be an effective tool if implemented thoughtfully alongside broader social reforms. Its benefits include increased diversity, addressing historical disadvantages, and providing role models that inspire future generations. The drawbacks primarily concern perceptions of fairness and the potential for unintended negative consequences. Ultimately, affirmative action should be part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing systemic barriers, improving educational opportunities, and fostering economic mobility. Without such measures, efforts toward genuine racial equality remain incomplete.

References

• Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford University Press.
• Yancy, G. & Butler, N. (2015). Black Lives Matter and the New Civil Rights Movement. Journal of Social Activism, 10(2), 45-58.
• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex. University of Chicago Legal Forum.
• Orfield, G. & Lee, C. (2007). Historic Reversals, Accelerating Resegregation and the Need for New Remedies. Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, 42, 381–392.
• Fisher v. University of Texas, 570 U.S. 297 (2016).
• Harvey, J. (2010). The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Kraft, M. E., & Furlong, S. R. (2014). Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives. CQ Press.
• Noguera, P. (2003). Growing Up in the Ghettos of America. Educational Leadership, 61(2), 40-44.
• Williams, D. R. (2012). Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Health: Complexities, Ongoing Challenges, and Research Opportunities. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1243(1), 69-83.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health. CDC Reports.