Racial Equality and Inequality in America and Lessons from Other Countries

Authors

William Y. Chin, Lewis & Clark Law School

Abstract

America, a mighty global hegemon supreme in military matters, regards itself as second to none, and where it leads, it expects other countries to follow. But on matters of race, America could follow the examples of countries that have taken the lead in experimenting with racial equality efforts and initiatives. From Brazil's "redemption through reading" prison program to the High Court of Australia's return of land to indigenous inhabitants, much could be learned from the lessons of other countries. That there is still much to learn about racial equality is evident from the police killing of George Floyd, a Black citizen who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for an extended period of time. George Floyd's death highlights the dichotomous nature of race in America where every advance leads to backlash. On the path to racial equality, America could follow the steps of other countries that have taken the lead. On this path, America's race is not against other countries to achieve supremacy, but against itself to achieve equality.

Disciplines

Constitutional Law | Law | Law and Race | Law Enforcement and Corrections | Military, War, and Peace

Recommended Citation

William Y. Chin, Racial Equality and Inequality in America and Lessons from Other Countries, 27 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 473 (2021).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol27/iss3/2