I, too, ultimately believe in universalism, and I worry that obsessively tracking demographic differences can lead us to ascribe nearly anything to racism. But events like this have lent credence to the identitarian left’s argument that addressing unequal treatment is nearly impossible when you can’t measure it.
Growing up in Belgium, which I think has the same universalist approach as France, I was puzzled to learn about the way race is emphasized in the USA. How, indeed, can you end racism by measuring it? It seems to be a double-edged sword: information about race can help to point out systemic racism. On the other hand, it helps people with racist beliefs commits racist acts, which perpetuates differences were there should be none.
I agree with the concluding sentiment of this article: measure differences where needed to weed out systemic racism, then transition to a universalist system, without prejudice of the past.
Excellent article. “It would be a mistake for either culture to remake itself entirely in the image of the other. The future belongs to a multiethnic society that finds a way to synthesize them.” In that process, I feel it’s normal to begin with extremes, which brings attention to the problem. We seem to be going through a time of “seeing” which systems work. It’s messy and polarizing but necessary in finding balanced, equitable solutions for all.
Super interesting article! It's nice to read such a nuanced take from the French point of view.
Many of the debates here take place as if in a parallel universe, eerily familiar but with several illuminating differences. They are a useful prism for contemplating the excesses and limitations, as well as the merits, of the social-justice fervor that has gripped the United States.
Growing up in Belgium, which I think has the same universalist approach as France, I was puzzled to learn about the way race is emphasized in the USA. How, indeed, can you end racism by measuring it? It seems to be a double-edged sword: information about race can help to point out systemic racism. On the other hand, it helps people with racist beliefs commits racist acts, which perpetuates differences were there should be none.
I agree with the concluding sentiment of this article: measure differences where needed to weed out systemic racism, then transition to a universalist system, without prejudice of the past.
Excellent article. “It would be a mistake for either culture to remake itself entirely in the image of the other. The future belongs to a multiethnic society that finds a way to synthesize them.” In that process, I feel it’s normal to begin with extremes, which brings attention to the problem. We seem to be going through a time of “seeing” which systems work. It’s messy and polarizing but necessary in finding balanced, equitable solutions for all.
Super interesting article! It's nice to read such a nuanced take from the French point of view.