Measured, by direct experimentation, in dozens of ways, over and over.
I've read and listened to individuals that study this professionally that suggest once other variables are accounted for (socio-economic status, household type, etc.) minorities often outperform their white counterparts.
I'm game. I'd like to read some of these studies, please.
All depends on who you listen to. Also, I don't know how you measure who "had it harder or easier".
For example, in the job market, you could measure who was more likely to be offered a position, after controlling for variables like clothing, enunciation, etc. You could post basically identical resumes with stereotypical names and measure response rates. You could compare tips given for various qualities of service. You seem like a creative guy. I bet you could some up with more.
I agree. He's not. But Thomas Sowell might be. He has long suggested that inequalities among races are entirely due to other factors. Also, he's black....so maybe some one here will be more open minded to his opinions.
I fully acknowledge that you will be able to find dozens of black people who deny the existence or effect of racism today. I am happy that is their experience, although it seems convenient most of them for right-wing organizations. I'm sure that's just a coincidence.
I read Sowell's opinions regularly, once upon a time. I found his economic perspectives pretty standard right-wing stuff. However, for Sowell, you can find hundreds of Coates, Jabbars, etc. I have no problem accepting Sowell's descriptions of his own experiences, but they are dwarfed by the descriptions of other black writers. Are you as willing to accept the experiences and research of Coates as I am of Sowell?
At the end of the day, each of us has to decide if we are in favor of either equality or equity. They are not the same thing. Those touting the idea of white privilege seem to be in favor of equity.
Is not equity the way to allow everyone to rise and fall on their own merits?
