That gets at the heart of the debate much better than Scott’s “is America racist” question. If there are systemic, structural ways in which Blacks are disadvantaged, such as low historic familial wealth or being less likely to be called for job interviews when their names are perceived as Black, it becomes much harder for the individuals themselves to combat the effects. Shunting the problem of racism off to the individual level makes it easier to ignore systemic problems — and it probably leads to a sense that the individual can simply overcome racism, as well. Scott’s argument about discussions of race centered on education because of the right’s current focus on “cancel culture,” on the idea that there is a concerted effort to silence people who aren’t adhering to certain cultural standards. The General Social Survey has an interesting bit of data speaking to that issue, as it turns out. The survey asks Americans if racists should be allowed to teach — in other words, if individuals who are racist should be teachers. About 37 percent of Democrats say they should be allowed to teach, while about half of Republicans hold that position. This is admittedly an unusual scenario, but it does speak to the broader debate. This is an individual embedded in the educational system. Half of Republicans don't take issue with that person being there.