WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch
Paul Gigot Interviews Jason Riley on 'The Affirmative Action Myth'
May 5, 2025
Jason Riley, a Wall Street Journal columnist and author of 'The Affirmative Action Myth,' argues that Black Americans achieved greater socioeconomic progress before the advent of affirmative action and welfare programs. He critiques the necessity of racial preferences, explores historical advancements during the mid-20th century, and assesses the effectiveness of civil rights legislation. The discussion dives into the nuances of college admissions, questioning class-based versus race-based affirmative action and its broader socio-economic implications.
34:03
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Quick takeaways
- Black Americans experienced significant socioeconomic progress from the 1940s to the 1960s, independent of government programs like affirmative action.
- The decline of the Black family structure since the late 1960s has been a major factor in reduced economic achievement and mobility.
Deep dives
Historical Progress Before Affirmative Action
Black Americans made significant educational and economic progress prior to the introduction of affirmative action in the 1970s. Data indicates that between 1940 and 1960, the poverty rate among Black families decreased dramatically from 87% to 47%. This was achieved during a time characterized by Jim Crow laws and widespread discrimination, emphasizing that Black advancement was not solely dependent on government intervention. The argument is made that the growth of the Black middle class actually slowed during the era of affirmative action, challenging the notion that these policies were essential for upward mobility.
