Do race-based policies create a more equitable world?

Dozens of countries have implemented race-based policies, which factor race into hiring decisions or school admissions, in an effort to address historical traumas. Critics say that affirmative action and similar policies are counterproductive. Is it time to consider color-blind policies instead?

Thandiwe Ntshinga, South African author and researcher, says it’s important to have policies that address the inequalities historically marginalized groups face in today’s world. She argues that the backlash to these policies is a result of white supremacy and a fear of losing power. Magatte Wade, Senegalese entrepreneur and prosperity activist, says that race-based policies tend to backfire and, in fact, produce more negative than positive outcomes. She argues that it’s more important to focus on the future rather than the past by prioritizing merit and economic prosperity.