Hughes on Race: Why Does Colorblindness Make Sense?

Coleman Hughes challenges contemporary identity politics, arguing that affirmative action in higher education is merely a superficial correction to deep systemic failings. According to Hughes, true social justice requires a focus on basic education and building human capital from an early age, rather than manipulating admissions to prestigious universities. The text examines the concept of "demanding humanism," which emphasizes high academic standards and meritocracy as tools for the real emancipation of disadvantaged groups. Hughes argues that colorblindness, combined with equal opportunities from the outset, is far more effective and morally coherent than interventions based solely on race.