Question 1

All of the following are important tenets of neoliberalism except

Accepted Answer

One of the central beliefs of neoliberalism is the idea that the government should play a limited role in social welfare programs, and should instead allow market forces (such as supply and demand) to dictate economic outcomes. Therefore, increasing government efforts to build up the social safety net would run counter to this principle. The other choices are all key tenets of neoliberalism: A) promoting market competition; B) prioritizing individual rights over group rights; D) opposing government welfare programs; and E) supporting equal opportunity policies that do not prioritize certain groups over others.

Question 2

Based on Omi and Winant's perspective, what made the discussion of "reverse racism" so powerful in rearticulating the discussion of race in the U.S.A.?

Accepted Answer

It reframed racism as a "race-neutral" matter, which allowed the discussion of race to be shifted away from systemic and historical contexts, making the concept of "reverse racism" a powerful rhetorical tool in debates about race relations in the U.S.

Question 3

When politicians or celebrities argue that race doesn't matter in shaping individual success or failure in America but hard work and education does, they are using which of the following ideologies?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of colorblindness ideology, which argues that race should not matter in any aspect of society and that everyone should be treated equally with no special treatment for any particular group. This ideology ignores the systemic and institutionalized racism that still exists in many areas of American society.

Question 4

Omi and Winant argue that President Barack Obama has supported the neoliberal agenda established in the 1970s and 1980s. Which of the following is an example of how Obama has done this?

Accepted Answer

Omi and Winant argue that neoliberalism emphasizes the free market and individualism, including reducing government regulation and providing support to businesses. Bailouts to banks and a healthcare bill that benefits insurance companies are examples of policies that align with this agenda. The other choices do not directly relate to neoliberalism.

Question 5

Mass incarceration of blacks and Latinos based on subtly racist policies such as the "War on Drugs" is an example of

Accepted Answer

The mass incarceration of blacks and Latinos is based on subtly racist policies such as the "War on Drugs" and is an example of depoliticizing the social by removing political engagement and participation. This perpetuates systemic racism and reinforces inequalities in the criminal justice system.

Question 6

Omi and Winant suggest that Obama deploys colorblind racial ideology but then occasionally critiques it. Which of the following of Obama's actions characterizes this critique?

Accepted Answer

Obama's support for immigration reform and a "path to citizenship" can be seen as a critique of colorblind ideology, as it recognizes the unequal treatment of immigrants in the United States. However, his increase in immigrant deportations contradicts this critique and reinforces a colorblind approach to immigration policy.

Question 7

One of the significant neoliberal policy decisions by Bill Clinton that negatively impacted thousands of non-whites was

Accepted Answer

Bill Clinton's policy of "ending welfare as we know it" in 1996 resulted in tens of thousands of non-whites being disproportionately affected. The policy imposed strict work requirements and time limits on receiving welfare benefits, making it harder for low-income families to access crucial assistance. This disproportionately impacted people of color and perpetuated systemic inequality.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of the "politics of resentment" used by neoliberals?

Accepted Answer

Supporting repressive policies to be "tough on crime" is an example of the "politics of resentment" used by neoliberals. It plays on the resentment and fear of crime and uses it to justify harsh policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, despite evidence that these policies do not effectively reduce crime rates.

Question 9

Which of the following U.S. presidents used neoliberal and colorblind views to shape their political decisions and initiatives?

Accepted Answer

All of the presidents listed have been associated with neoliberal and colorblind policies at various points in their careers. Neoliberalism, with its emphasis on free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending on social services, was a significant part of the political landscape during their presidencies. Colorblindness, the idea of not seeing race as a factor in addressing social and economic issues, also influenced their approaches to policy, even if the implementation and emphasis varied among them.

Question 10

Which of the following events mobilized the Tea Party as a racial project?

Accepted Answer

The Tea Party was mobilized as a racial project due to continuing fears of population growths of Blacks, Latinos, and other non-whites. This fear was evident in their opposition to comprehensive immigration reform, their calls for stricter voter ID laws, and their support for policies that disproportionately negatively affected people of color.

Question 11

Anti-immigrant initiatives and legislation, vindictive racial profiling, mass incarceration, and the disenfranchisement of voters of color are all examples of

Accepted Answer

These examples illustrate the continuing significance of race and structural racism in contemporary society, despite efforts to create a colorblind era. This is reflected in the persistence of unequal treatment and outcomes for people of color in areas such as immigration, criminal justice, and voting rights. It is not an accurate representation of the actions or legacy of any particular president or historical figure. The role of social class and individual decisions may contribute to these issues, but they are not the sole or primary factors at play.

Quiz 8: Colorblindness, Neoliberalism, and Obama