Alan Wolfe

Most recent polls fail to reveal the complexity of American opinion on racism and affirmative action, argues Alan Wolfe in the following viewpoint. He maintains that while most Americans actually do oppose current affirmative action programs, a majority also agrees that racial discrimination still exists and should be addressed. What Americans really want is to revise affirmative action so that it uses fair and impartial strategies to counteract discrimination. Wolfe is the director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Wolfe’s opinion, how do middle-class Americans differ from intellectuals in discussions about affirmative action?
2. According to the author, what criterion do both critics and supporters of affirmative action agree on?
3. In the author’s view, why...