White Views of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity: Colorblindness, Qualifications, and Quotas

Abstract

This paper reports on interviews with 246 randomly selected whites (25-55) in three areas of the country regarding views of civil rights and equal opportunity. The interviews find that most whites are positive about the civil rights movement, but are opposed to affirmative action in the form of quotas. The interviewees espouse a principle of colorblindness (that color doesn't or shouldn't matter), that everyone should have equal opportunity as long as they are qualified, and that those who try hard enough and don't give up will have a reasonable chance of reaching their goals. The interviewees condemn prejudice and discrimination based on color. Although there are some variations, these views are consistent across region, class, and gender. Because the interviewees believe that their views define what is fair, they do not see themselves as contributing to racial conflict. Many attribute to blacks a view that they believe to be unfair, namely, that blacks want special privileges and that they believe that the country owes them a living. The life histories of the white interviewees, however, show their own reliance on social capital and family resources. Indeed, the interviews show that most whites are not content to live by the principle of equal opportunity. Instead, they seek advantage. Because of the ideology of colorblindness, however, the advantages that the white interviewees enjoy are not salient to them. They believe themselves to have gotten ahead through hard work, motivation, persistence, and talent.