White guilt

In 'White Guilt,' Shelby Steele argues that the admission of past racism by white Americans created a moral vacuum, leading to policies like affirmative action and diversity initiatives that, while well-intentioned, have fostered dependency and inhibited true racial equality.

Steele critiques liberal ideologies for perpetuating white guilt, which he believes complicates and extends racial problems rather than resolving them.

He advocates for a shift towards individual freedom and accountability to achieve genuine racial harmony.