The Affirmative Action Myth Audiobook By Jason L Riley cover art

The Affirmative Action Myth

Why Blacks Don't Need Racial Preferences to Succeed

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The Affirmative Action Myth

By: Jason L Riley
Narrated by: James Shippy
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From Wall Street Journal columnist and Manhattan Institute senior fellow Jason L. Riley, a contrarian argument that racial preferences have done more harm than good for black Americans

After the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the use of race in college admissions was unconstitutional, many predicted that the black middle class was doomed. One byproduct of a half century of affirmative action is that it has given people the impression that blacks can’t advance without special treatment. In The Affirmative Action Myth, Jason L. Riley details the neglected history of black achievement without government intervention. Using empirical data, Riley shows how black families lifted themselves out of poverty prior to the racial preference policies of the 1960s and 1970s.

Black employment, incomes, homeownership, and educational attainment all were on the rise in the first two-thirds of the twentieth century and began to stagnate only after affirmative action became the law of the land, tainting black achievement with suspicions of unfair advantage. Countering thinkers who blame white supremacy and systemic racism for today’s racial gaps, Riley offers a more optimistic story of black success without racial favoritism.

©2025 Jason L Riley (P)2025 Basic Books African American Studies Americas Black & African American Education Politics & Government Public Policy Social Social Sciences Specific Demographics United States Social justice Socialism Employment Discrimination Capitalism

Critic reviews

“From his position of earned eminence among commentators on today’s intersection of culture and politics, Jason L. Riley dissects the false promises and actual damages of race-based policies. His book validates Chief Justice John Roberts’s acerbic words: ‘It is a sordid business, this divvying us up by race.’”—George F. Will, syndicated columnist
“Riley’s The Affirmative Action Myth is a clear, concise, and humane account of the perverse consequences of race-conscious policies. He calmly and judiciously demolishes the many myths and distortions that sustain the affirmative action empire. He exposes the relentless pessimism behind racial preferences and points to a respectful, tried-and-true alternative. Proponents of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) have acted as if they occupied a moral high ground. Riley turns this around—he is the true ‘racial progressive’ we need.”—Christina Hoff Sommers, senior fellow emeritus, American Enterprise Institute
“The Affirmative Action Myth by Riley comes along at a critical time to make an important point. Black Americans don’t need racial preferences. We did pretty well before they existed. Meritocracy is the best way to build a successful nation, and Riley makes the case for it.”—Wilfred Reilly, author of Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me
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I've just finished this book. It is an interesting exploration of the trajectories—based on measurable data—of the quality of life, and financial and educational attainment of Black Americans, both before and after affirmative action programs were introduced.

I was concerned that the title of the book might suggest a foregone conclusion—written by someone seeking facts to justify their beliefs. But it actually uses research from both sides of the argument, as well as from a neutral perspective.

Although it is very much a book designed to sell units rather than serve as a serious academic study, it still contains a lot of useful information. That said, it digresses too often into political talking points that don’t directly relate to the subject matter.

On the whole, it is a good read, and contains a lot of useful information.

The narration is especially good, because Riley is one of the few people who can actually pronounce Du Bois (not Dew Boys).

Well-researched and reasoned arguments against AA, if a bit one-sided

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I love the statistics going against all the none sense brought to the black community. Disguised as opportunity for equal outcomes. I have been talking to any black person that will listen to me explain how our people have been manipulated. With comfort and freebies may GOD bless you sir

Statistically accurate information

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