Post-Racialism: Reality or Illusion?

Abstract

Post-racialism has gained considerable attention in the last decade. The historic election of Barack Obama in November of 2008 as the first Black president of the United States initiated conversations about the beginning of a “post-racial” era. Post-racialism mimics colorblindness which was first articulated by racial progressives, and later conservatives co-opted this language. Both claim that race should no longer be considered a factor in awarding rights and resources due to racial progress. By examining the existing literature, I stress that the notion of living in a post-racial America does not respond to reality.