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The Genius of Thomas Sowell
"Disparate Impact" with Heather Mac Donald
Apr 23, 2023
02:28:57
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Quick takeaways
- Disparate impact ideology is a key factor in racial disparities in institutions and is seen as the grand dogma of our time.
- Disparate impact ideology has negative consequences, including preventing scientific advances, undermining progress in fighting urban crime, and contributing to cultural self-cancellation.
- Disparate impact ideology lacks evidence and ignores contradictory information, being politically useful rather than based on facts.
- The use of disparate impact theory in civil rights cases has shifted the burden of proof, increased legal costs, and potentially incentivized discrimination against racial minorities.
- Disparate impact ideology diverts attention from root causes of disparities, such as behavioral norms, cultural differences, and geographical factors.
- Disparate impact ideology has negative effects on various fields, including classical music, medical education, and law enforcement, hindering standards, diversity, and public safety.
Deep dives
The importance of disparate impact ideology
Disparate impact ideology is described as the "grand dogma of our time" and is seen as a key factor in racial disparities in institutions.
The impact of disparate impact on society
Disparate impact ideology is presented as having a negative impact on American society, including preventing scientific advances, undermining progress in fighting urban crime, and contributing to a cultural self-cancellation.
The fallacy of disparate impact
Disparate impact ideology is criticized as being a fallacy that lacks evidence and ignores contradictory information and is described as politically useful, rather than being based on facts.
The consequences of disparate impact ideology
The use of disparate impact theory in civil rights cases has shifted the burden of proof and led to higher legal costs for employers and workers, while also potentially incentivizing discrimination against racial minorities.
The misguided focus of disparate impact ideology
Disparate impact ideology is argued to divert attention from the root causes of disparities, such as behavioral norms, cultural differences, and geographical factors.
The impact on specific fields
Disparate impact ideology is explored in its effects on various fields, including classical music, medical education, and law enforcement, where it is perceived as having a negative impact on standards, diversity, and public safety.
The implications of disparate impact ideology
Disparate impact ideology is seen as a disguised form of racial quotas, undermining objective standards, and hindering the achievement of meritocracy.
The role of standardized tests
The rejection of standardized tests in admission processes is discussed as part of the push to eliminate disparities, but it is questioned whether this leads to fair outcomes or hampers individual progress.
The relationship between identity politics and disparate impact
Identity politics is presented as a driving force behind the attack on classical music and other Western cultural achievements based on demographic considerations rather than objective artistic merit.
The influence of disparate impact on law enforcement
Disparate impact ideology is argued to have resulted in the unwinding of traditional law enforcement practices, leading to reduced public safety and increasing violence.
Heather McDonald's research and perspectives
Heather McDonald is recognized for her thorough research, clear thinking, and direct communication style, which allows her to address controversial issues with honesty and fact-based arguments.
The Impact of Disparate Impact Ideology
Disparate impact ideology is discussed, explaining how it holds that any racial disparity in any institution is by definition the product of racism. This ideology argues that if a neutral standard has a disparate impact on certain racial groups, the standard is illegitimate. The dominant ideology attributes all racial disparities to racism, leading to the tearing down of meritocratic and behavioral standards in various institutions.
Examining the Inconsistencies of Disparate Impact Thinking
The flawed logic of disparate impact thinking is explored, highlighting the absurd conclusions it can lead to. The example of men being overrepresented in the prison population is given, questioning why this disparity is not considered evidence of bias in the criminal justice system. Proponents of disparate impact thinking often avoid addressing such inconsistencies, highlighting the lack of concern for consistency.
The Seepage of Disparate Impact Ideology into Everyday Life
Disparate impact ideology originated decades ago in the legal system to address aberrant cases. Over time, it has permeated various aspects of society as a way to expand civil rights laws and create equal outcomes. The influence of this ideology can be seen in fields including education, medicine, classical music, and law enforcement, where minimal standards and merit-based systems are being undermined.
The Ripple Effects of Disparate Impact on Education and Testing
The impact of disparate impact ideology on education and testing is discussed. The banning of SAT scores by universities and the dismantling of gifted and talented programs are cited as examples. Disallowing the use of standardized tests can hinder the capture of valuable information, potentially impeding the identification and nurturing of intellectual potential among students of all races.
40.
The Abolition of So-Called Gifted and Talented Programs in Middle and High Schools
5min
Thomas Sowell calls "Disparate Impact" ideology the "grand dogma" of our time.
But what is disparate impact and why is it so important?
On this episode we take a deep dive into disparate impact ideology and how it has changed America.
Joining me to discuss this important subject is Heather Mac Donald.
Heather is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research based in New York City. Much like Sowell , Heather does research into domestic policy and urban affairs and tries to figure out what’s working and what’s not working. She then writes articles and books sharing what she has learned.
Her first book was published in 2000 and was called “The burden of bad ideas : how modern intellectuals misshape our society”
Three years later she wrote a book called “Are Cops Racist?”
This was followed with another book about policing in 2016 called “The War on Cops: How the New Attack on Law and Order Makes Everyone Less Safe.”
I first discovered Heather Mac Donald in 2018 with the publication of her book “The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture.” I loved that book and I remember finishing it then immediately starting it over and reading it a second time.
Her latest book which just came out this month is called “When Race Trumps Merit, How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives.”
USEFUL LINKS:
• More podcast-related links here: AlanWolan.com
• How to calculate the "Birthday Problem": Ted-Ed Video HERE
• "Birthday Problem Khan Academy explanation HERE
• You can purchase Heather Mac Donald's new book HERE
• Photos of the CalTech Turtle Pond HERE
• Jerry MacGuire "Show Me the Money" scene HERE
• Heather Mac Donald Wikipedia page HERE
• Classical Music featured in this episode:
"Cello Suite No 1" by Bach, "Für Elise" by Beethoven, "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, "Humoresque" by Dvorak, "Caprice No. 24" by Paganini, "Symphony No. 5" by Beethoven, "Die Zauberflöte" by Mozart, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" by Mozart, "Theme from Schindler's List" by John Williams, "Hungarian Dance No. 5" by Brahms, "Gymnopedie No. 1" by Satie, and "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.
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