The concept of “racial blindness” — the purposeful ignoring of racial differences — has failed to erase racial inequalities, argues Harvard Law School professor and famously spurned Clinton nominee Lani Guinier.
Rather than ignore race or organize politically by race, Guinier prescribes cross-racial, grassroots organizing as the key to overcoming the nation’s race problems. White Americans need to understand that the difficulties of black Americans adversely affect them, too. Neither color-blindness nor identity politics are an acceptable choice, Guinier argues. Some more positive approach is needed, which builds coalitions and a common cause across races while not ignoring racial differences.
This hour, Lani Guinier presents her revolutionary prescription for dealing with America’s racial divide.
Guests:
Lani Guinier, professor at the Harvard Law School
co-author of the new book, “The Miner’s Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy”
