Why “Anti-Racism” Is the Worst Form of Racism | Coleman Hughes | EP 474

The Colorblind Revolution: A Conversation with Coleman Hughes

This episode features Coleman Hughes, a prominent voice in the ongoing conversation about race and politics. Hughes, known for his insightful commentary and compelling arguments, shares his core philosophy in his new book, "The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America." He advocates for a return to the classic civil rights attitude of the 1950s and 1960s - a colorblind America.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

Hughes argues that society functions best when we evaluate individuals based on their merit, not on group-oriented characteristics like race or ethnicity. He believes that colorblindness is the most effective way to achieve true equality and fairness for all. Hughes supports a meritocratic society, where individuals are rewarded based on their skills and talents, irrespective of their racial background.

Practical Strategies and Advice

• Adopt a colorblind approach in decision-making: When evaluating individuals for jobs, promotions, or educational opportunities, focus on their qualifications, skills, and performance rather than their race.
• Reject the concept of "lived experience": Hughes criticizes the notion that only individuals of a particular race can truly understand the experiences of others from that same race. He argues that this concept is not only empirically unsupported but also detrimental to achieving true understanding and empathy.
• Embrace benign expressions of tribalism: While recognizing that humans are naturally inclined towards ingroup favoritism, Hughes suggests that we can mitigate its negative consequences by encouraging and allowing for benign expressions of tribalism. Examples include humor, sports, and other activities that allow for a healthy release of tribalistic instincts without leading to harmful outcomes.
• Cultivate a culture of humility: Hughes emphasizes the importance of humility, especially for those who are highly intelligent. He warns against the dangers of intellectual pride and the temptation to view intelligence as a measure of moral worth.

Supporting Evidence

Hughes draws on various research studies and historical examples to support his arguments. He references a study in Broward County, Florida, which showed that universal IQ testing effectively identified gifted Black and Hispanic students who might have otherwise been overlooked. He also cites a Duke University study that demonstrated that students admitted under lower standards, regardless of race, exhibited higher attrition rates in STEM fields.

Personal Application

Hughes shares his own experiences growing up in a diverse neighborhood in Toronto, where he observed children naturally interacting with others of different races without any apparent racial bias. He also recounts his own journey as a public intellectual, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's principles even when it comes at a personal cost.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

Hughes doesn't explicitly endorse specific tools or techniques. However, his emphasis on objective testing suggests that utilizing standardized assessments, like IQ tests and aptitude examinations, can be valuable for evaluating individuals based on their merit.