Color consciousness is a theory stating that equality under the law is insufficient to address racial inequalities in society. It rejects the concept of fundamental

racial Race is a categorization of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a given society. The term came into common usage during the 16th century, when it was used to refer to groups of va ...

differences, but holds that physical differences such as skin color can and do negatively impact some people's life opportunities.

Supreme Court In most legal jurisdictions, a supreme court, also known as a court of last resort, apex court, high (or final) court of appeal, and court of final appeal, is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts. Broadly speaking, the decisions of ...

Justice Harry Blackmun in 1978, stated, "In order to get beyond racism, we must first take account of race. There is no other way. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently." ( Regents of the University of California v. Bakke).

19th century

David R. Roediger in his book ''Wages of Whiteness'', draws a distinction between black and white wage workers in the 19th century: This distinction between free black and white wage workers shows a kind of negative color consciousness, in which the white "help" insists on being recognized as a white person, since she is therefore higher in the social hierarchy, even though she is employed as an unskilled laborer. This contrasts with modern notions of positive color consciousness, through such endeavors as

affirmative action Affirmative action (also sometimes called reservations, alternative access, positive discrimination or positive action in various countries' laws and policies) refers to a set of policies and practices within a government or organization seeking ...

, to bolster those that had been disadvantaged due to their race.

19th century

See also

References

Further reading