Inequality

What is inequality? We live in a world where opportunities and success seem to be unfairly distributed in every cross-section of life. Hence the question, what is inequality? Defined, inequality is the effect of limiting or harming a person or the social status of a given group. Can these perceived inequalities be helped? Can this unfair playing field be evened out across all walks of life? Can discrimination be wiped out in favor or giving the same opportunities to all people no matter their race, economic situation or social status? Discrimination and equality prevent one from attaining the necessities of lifea job, for example. While discrimination takes many forms, the one that is most pronounced is race discrimination, such as buying a house. Does a white man receive a better price than a black man? Do white men receive more favorable educational opportunities than black men? Across the world, even today, race appears to be a deciding factor in determining opportunity. In selecting potential job applicants, recruiters often check racial backgrounds, but do they select the person who is perceived as coming from an inferior race. Looking back over more than 300 years of history in North America, it may be said that, initially, racial discrimination may not have been perceived as a problem. Later, the northern part of the United States seemed to follow the creed of the Declaration of Independence which states that all men are free. On the surface the close of the Civil War period should have emancipated slaves. But did it? Is there not still discrimination in todays society? Sadly, the answer is yes. In many circles, the color of ones skin determines whether they successfully land a job and to some extent, the amount of their subsequent salary. Even when working similar hours, the person of the perceived preferential race will be awarded the higher salary. Statistics from 2011 show that the median annual income for white men to be approximately $35,000 dollars, while African-American men only earned approximately $25,000. Further, the 2012 to 2013 Bureau of Labors Statistics indicates that white people are employed more than black people. In October 2012, 115,885 white people were employed while only 16,172 African Americans were employed. These statistics indicate that some seven times

more white people are employed than black. Similarly the unemployment rate among white people is a mere 6.6 percent, while that of black people soars to 13.8 percent. These statistics clearly show that discrimination is a major problem that we continue to face in todays society. How can all men be equal if one cross-section of society continues to be treated poorly? While discrimination cannot be completely wiped out, however, it can be significantly reduced. Inasmuch as the federal government was instituted the serve the needs of the people, the government may hold a prominent position in solving the problem of discrimination. In fact, our Constitution early on had already tackled the problem of reducing discrimination. Indeed, the fifth and fourteenth amendments were passed in order to help combat discrimination. The Fifth Amendment states that the federal government cannot deprive individuals of life, liberty or property, without due process of the law. Hence, this amendment gives all men equal rights and equal protection of the law. The fourteenth amendment further prohibits states from violating an individuals right to due process and equal protection. In the context of employment, the powers of the individual state and federal governments are limited to prevent discrimination. Yet, discrimination continues to be a problem, one that society continues to tackle. Another method to reducing discrimination is through positive or negative incentives. For example, businesses may receive positive incentives for creating equal employment opportunities regardless of race or for creating more opportunities for disadvantaged applicants. More workers equate to more taxes; therefore, by awarding business incentives, both state and federal governments improve their bottom line. When a business or enterprise looks to employ one race exclusively over all others, it becomes known as a business that discriminates and should be the recipient of negative incentives. When all races are treated equally and given the same opportunities, companies, states and even the federal government can benefit from the robust labor market. On the other hand, when discrimination is discovered, the result should be negative incentives as well. Indeed, known discrimination does result in reduced funding. Additionally, should any given state

tolerate discrimination that state should remain subject to tax penalties. Thus, given the threat of higher taxes and penalties, states in all likelihood would serve as the local watchdog for signs of discrimination. And finally, states and local jurisdictions would function as an overseer of local businesses, especially businesses that engage in unfair labor practices. Some may argue, however, that decreased discrimination may result in a bloated job market with few jobs and lower salaries across the board. More importantly, discrimination hurts the business market by preventing people with high potential from all races from reaching their goals and furthering their careers. The United States was created to give equality to all people and to provide an opportunity for people fleeing from unjust society to have a new hope. Discrimination and inequality create an unfair playing field and run counter to the many sacred documents prepared by the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights all work together to preserve the rights of all people who come to this country. Indeed, in the United States, fairness and equality are promised to all, no matter the color of their skin. While discrimination and inequality hamper and degrade society as a whole, society devoid of discrimination can only help individuals, enterprise and government all reach their potential while giving all the opportunity to succeed, no matter their personal goals. The future of the country is dependent on the citizens of the country all having equality in opportunity. Positive and Negative incentives may enhance the opportunities of all and should be administered by local, state and federal government organizations. We should focus on building a better future for generations to come and give everyone equality in both right and opportunity

Sharp, Gwen. "Sociological Images." Sociological Images RSS. Gwen Sharp, 4 Oct. 2012. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Table A-2. Employment Status of the Civilian Population by Race, Sex, and Age." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 08 Nov. 2013. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Employment Discrimination." LII. Cornell University Law School, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.