Jason Riley: Affirmative action didn’t cure black poverty
May 13, 2025
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Jason Riley, a Wall Street Journal columnist and author, dives deep into the failures of affirmative action in addressing black poverty. He argues that the black middle class thrived before the 1960s’ policy shifts, which ironically increased socio-economic struggles. Riley critiques the belief that equal outcomes can stem from racial preferences, emphasizing the need for genuine economic opportunities. He also addresses how excessive regulations in liberal cities stifle growth, particularly harming black communities and affecting educational choices.
Evidence suggests that the Black middle class experienced more substantial growth before affirmative action policies were implemented in the late 1960s.
The podcast critiques the shift from equal opportunities to a focus on equal outcomes within DEI initiatives, questioning their effectiveness for marginalized communities.
Deep dives
The Myth of Racial Preferences
Racial preferences in the form of affirmative action have been defended as essential for the upward mobility of Black Americans, but this perspective is challenged by evidence suggesting that a significant Black middle class existed prior to the implementation of such policies. In fact, studies indicate that the growth of this middle class was more pronounced before the advent of affirmative action, growing at a faster rate compared to the subsequent decades. The notion that college campuses would suffer without racial preferences is deemed exaggerated, as historical trends show that there were positive advancements among Black Americans before these preferences were instituted. This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of affirmative action in genuinely elevating the socio-economic status of African Americans, particularly among the poor.
Impact of DEI Policies
The podcast discusses the implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how they are often seen through the lens of achieving equal outcomes rather than equal opportunities. The belief that disparities in outcomes arise from discrimination is central to this ideology, which has transformed the original concept of affirmative action aimed at providing equal opportunities into a demand for specific equal outcomes. Historical examples highlight that societal disparities and unequal outcomes have always existed and are not solely the result of systemic discrimination. This perspective challenges the effectiveness of DEI initiatives that assume government interventions and racial preferences are the primary drivers of economic and social advancement for minority groups.
Political Clout and Economic Outcomes
The relationship between increased political representation for Black Americans and economic outcomes is scrutinized, indicating that more Black politicians have not necessarily translated into improved conditions for the Black underclass. Cities often led by Black mayors have seen declines in the economic status of their poorest residents, suggesting that political leadership has not effectively addressed the challenges faced by those at the bottom of the income ladder. The persistence of policies that have benefited the Black elite, rather than disadvantaged communities, raises questions about the true beneficiaries of affirmative action programs. Ultimately, the failure of these policies to result in meaningful economic advancement for the most marginalized highlights the need for a reassessment of strategies aimed at improving outcomes for Black Americans.
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Jason Riley joins Emily to discuss his new book “The Affirmative Action Myth,” and the decline of DEI policies. Riley explains how the black middle class enjoyed robust growth until policies favored by Democrats in the late 1960s started to increase poverty and suffering.
Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/
