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Buy the Book
Walter Williams for Christmas
His autobiography is a great American story. His economic views even more so.
“Racial discriminatory preferences do not explain all they are purported to explain” is the central theme in economist Walter E. Williams’ new book, Race and Economics: How Much Can Be Blamed on Discrimination? That’s not surprising to anyone familiar with Williams’ work. However, it is somewhat puzzling given his background, which he chronicled last year in Up From the Projects: An Autobiography.
Up From the Projects is one of those rare books that you wish was at least 100 pages longer. It is filled with politically-incorrect anecdotes, including the time Williams appeared on a PBS program to discuss school vouchers. During the show the host mentioned that Williams lived in the nice suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland. A number of callers to the show accused Williams of selling out by living among whites and demanded to know why he didn’t live with his “own people.” Williams writes:
I considered that question and comment stupid, and as I sometimes do when confronted in that manner, I made light of them. I told the questioner that I was getting old and my back was bothering me, and for that reason, I wanted to live in a neighborhood where I could simply park my car in front of my house without having to carry the engine and battery in every night.
Williams did face plenty of discrimination in his life, including a beating from a Philadelphia police officer and a stint in the Army, most of it spent at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in 1959-1961. Williams dealt with it by at times fighting back and at other times creating mischief. When some of his fellow soldiers warned him that he’d get into trouble, he’d respond, “What kind of trouble? Is somebody going to paint me black and send me to Georgia?”
Despite the obstacles Williams faced as a poor kid growing up in Philadelphia, he received an excellent upbringing from his mom. It appears that from her he received his penchant for seizing opportunities when he saw them. Prior to being drafted, Williams traveled to Los Angeles to visit his father, who had been absent for much of Williams’ life. Williams saw L.A. as a land of opportunity. He resolved to go back there after getting out of the Army. After saving up some money, he and his wife Connie moved to L.A. in December 1961.
Williams made the most of it, going to college and eventually getting a doctorate in economics from UCLA. He considers it fortunate that he got his degree before affirmative action took hold:
Sometimes I sarcastically, perhaps cynically, say that I’m glad I received virtually all of my education before it became fashionable for white people to like black people. By that I mean I encountered back then a more honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses. Professors didn’t hesitate to criticize me — sometimes even to the point of saying, “That’s nonsense, Williams.”
Williams remarks that he became a libertarian by being exposed to “tough-minded professors” who encouraged him to think with his brain instead of his heart. In one instance, Williams told an economics professor at UCLA that he believed that minimum wages laws were a way to help the poor. The professor challenged Williams, asking him if he cared about the intentions behind such laws or its effects. If he was concerned about the effects, he needed to read various studies “about the devastating effects of the minimum wage on employment opportunities for minimally skilled workers.”
It is that type of thinking that informs Race and Economics. Finding discrimination to be an inadequate explanation for the economic difficulties of blacks, Williams examines the effect of government policies.
The “issue is not whether racial discrimination exists but the extent to which it explains what we see today,” Williams writes. He notes that while discrimination imposes costs on those discriminated against, it also imposes costs on the discriminators. A businessman who wants to hire only white workers will bear a cost if he could hire black workers for cheaper. Free markets, Williams argues, are the best friends of blacks. Markets pressure businesses to avoid the cost of discrimination, since that cost makes it more difficult for businesses to increase profits and provide customers with lower prices.
Williams backs this up with a historical examination of blacks in the U.S. during the 19th century. Blacks prospered in many industries during that time, even in the South. If it was possible for some blacks to achieve economic success when discrimination was much worse than it is today, what explains the economic difficulties of blacks in contemporary America?
Williams lays part of the blame on the welfare system, which has done much to destroy the black family. But he spends the majority of the book examining the various policies that restrict the entry of people into the job market. Such policies will visit the most harm on groups like blacks that lag economically since they make it harder to acquire the entry-level, low paying jobs that are the necessary first step in gaining experience in the job market.
Sometimes the intent behind these laws was racist. In the case of the Davis-Bacon Act, passed in 1931, the aim was limiting black participation in the construction industry. By the early 20th century, blacks had gained a major foothold in the construction industry by working for lower wages than whites. Davis-Bacon forced any construction company working on a federal project to pay its workers much higher “locally prevailing wages.” Since construction companies could no longer hire blacks at lower wages, it was no longer economical to employ them. This was exactly what many supporters of the law wanted. For example, Rep. John Cochran of Missouri said that he had received many complaints about southern contractors “employing low-paid colored mechanics and bringing the employees from the South.” The then-president of the American Federation of Labor, William Green, complained that “colored labor is being sought to demoralize wage rates.” Prior to Davis-Bacon, black and white unemployment rates in the construction industry were similar. Afterwards, the black unemployment rate rose relative to the rate for whites.
In other instances, the intent may be to improve safety, an oft-cited justification for occupational licensure laws. From barbers to taxi-cab drivers, over 800 professions in the U.S. have a licensure requirement in at least one state. As Williams notes:
Occupational licensing raises entry costs through various minimum requirements: age, minimum secondary-school education, special schooling, citizenship, and license fees. Nobody is explicitly rejected; many decide not to try in the first place. The requirements are more problematic for some demographic groups than others. For example, the possession of a high school diploma will impose a greater burden on those groups with a higher high school dropout rate.
About the Author
David Hogberg is a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research. Follow him on Twitter.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (30) | Leave a comment
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Moe Blotz| 12.19.11 @ 7:04AM
"Up from Slavery" by Booker T. Washington would be a good read before moving on to Professor Williams' works.
VonMisesJr| 12.19.11 @ 7:22AM
Dr. Walter E. Williams and Dr. Thomas Sowell columns can be found weekly at www.jewishworldreview.com. Both men profess the need to get past political correctness and discuss issues honestly.
For instance, they conclude that segregated busing and fountains in the South were detrimental to business that generally objected over regulations imposed by people in government who did not have to pay the additional costs of the policies.
Dr. Sowell also writes several books on this issue such as "Preferential Policies," "Affirmative Action Around the World," "The Economics of Politics and Race," and "Conquests and Cultures." These books examine the turmoil and disasterous consequences of such policies in Africa, India, Sri Lanka and other countries.
Indy| 12.19.11 @ 9:36AM
Indeed, this two men are treasures, I read their columns and am building a collection of their books. Shelby Steele in another excellent writer, I recommend White Guilt for those interested in learning more about racial issues.
Mac Jehoff| 12.19.11 @ 6:52PM
Gee, he does'nt look Jewish.
Timothy L. Pennell| 12.19.11 @ 8:08AM
Before I begin. Am I the only one who thinks that the G*DD*MN SPELL CHECK app would be better positioned, ANYWHERE on the screen other than right next to the SEARCH app?!
Now then....Walter E. Williams. That's his name. If you leave out the "E", then you're talking about somebody else. You should know that. Mr. Hogwartsberg.
Raise your hand if you LOVE Professor Williams. I think it's safe to say that, everyone who wasn't Molested in an Ivy League School, loves Dr. Williams. Everyone that thinks a Nobel or a Pulitzer is best appreciated when it's shoved up under your SUV's back tire, when your parked on a hill, would agree that Walter E. Williams is like The Holy Grail, when it comes to ECONOMICS PROFESSORS, and Numero Uno, when it comes to Gift Giving.
But, what about LIBERALS? What would they say about the man?
I'm sure that Harry Belefonte would call him a HOUSE NEGRO, cause that's what Harry Belefonte does. Cornel Farina West, would call him an Uncle Tom, and accuse "The Brotha" of "Toking on an Ideological Crack Pipe". Cause that's what Affirmative Action Professors do. Al Tawana Sharpton, would call him a "Tar Baby" or an "OREO". He'd say the "He wasn't down for the Struggle". "Where was he, when I was looking for JEWS, in Crown Heights for 3 Days?" "Where was he when we were KILLING 7 people, inside Freddies Clothing Emporium?" (Don't worry. We let the Black Folk leave, and then we killed the rest.) "Where was he, when we BURNED IT to the ground?" And then he'd laugh about how many MILLIONS he OWES in Taxes, before F-ing up reading the Teleprompter. Because that's what Black Racist Affirmative Action MSNBC hires do, when they're not getting away with owing MILLION$ in Taxes to Uncle Sam.
Chuck Todd would go after him for Smoking. The Daughter of the Jew Hating Jimmy Carter's Jew Hating National Security Advisor - Mika unspellable last name - would accuse him of Marital Abuse, for his wonderful choice of Gifts, for Mrs. Williams, including a Snow Shovel, a New Mop, and Garbage Cans that are easier on her back, when she takes out the garbage. (Now, That's a MAN)
Chris Mathews would accuse him of all of these things, sitting in front of the Camera, covered in Hand Lotion, and Paul Krugman would accuse him of "Not wanting to SPEND MORE", even though that's what all the Theatre Critics, Sports Writers, and whatever Thom Friedman's Job description is at The New York Times, agree is the way to go.
Did I mention Step and Fetchit?
VonMisesJr| 12.19.11 @ 8:40AM
Good point, Timothy. I once bought a book by accident on Presidential powers from the other Walter Williams before I realized the mistake. I threw it in the garbage.
But I have some (30) books by Dr. Sowell and Dr. Walter E. Williams. They constitute a fair segment of my library for my benefit and my son and his future family.
Lee Ghume| 12.19.11 @ 6:48PM
Youns better tell Drudge to add the E as well. Have I been directed to the wrong Walter Williams all these years?
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 8:44PM
Tim,
Don't you have spell check in your browser? Mine shows up as I type in the comment box. I've got Safari/Mac though.
Anyhow~ Walter Williams I like very much. He is a joy to listen to when he sits in for Rush. If only I had teachers like him I may not have dropped out of school.
But one can simply learn everything they didn't by reading on their own, and being that I went to school where the teachers were getting high with the students, who knows the type of history I would have learned.. so I was a clean slate with a heart that wanted to learn all that I could after God renewed my spirit and gave me His eyes to see with.
And Walter Williams is one soul who I learn from each time he opens his mouth.
Going from a hippie wanna-be who couldn't wait to hear bands live and in person because the sound is ALWAYS best rather than just hearing it on a record~ to now feeling like that about listening LIVE to men like Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell on the radio.
Ha!
God is GREAT!
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 8:46PM
That is, Walter E. Williams!
JimP| 12.20.11 @ 7:28PM
Great. Another story of a maggot infested, pot smoking, slutty doper "finds" Jesus, and that excuses everything.
Charie| 12.23.11 @ 10:55PM
Did you stumble into the wrong column by accident?
JimH| 12.19.11 @ 8:38AM
I met Prof. Williams years ago at a seminar sponsored by the CATO Institute. his lectures where terrific. He presented facts which if done by others could seem dry, in unusual and entertaining ways. And he always had plenty of time to talk over a beer on any subject. I'll be getting a copy of the book.
Clint| 12.19.11 @ 10:18AM
Doc Williams has studied Austrian School Economics, Freidrich Hayek, Ludwig von Mises.
He still lives here in Valley Forge.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.
Mike Hawk| 12.19.11 @ 3:38PM
He resides in Devon.
Clint| 12.19.11 @ 7:58PM
Duuuuuuhhhh !
Look at a map.
Williams Can Hit Valley Forge Park With A Rock From His House On Devonshire Road.
I live about 2 miles from Williams & have met him on numerous occasions
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.
Margie| 12.19.11 @ 9:44PM
If he knew how much you hate your fellow conservatives.....
Otis Cribblecoblis| 12.20.11 @ 2:23AM
Only those conservatives beneath his station and outside Valley Forge.
Moe Blotz| 12.21.11 @ 8:33AM
Austrian School? Why does so much of Walter Williams' writing look like Bastiat, a Frenchman?
Al Adab| 12.19.11 @ 11:16AM
Read and enjoyed the book very much. Was saddened to hear Mr. Williams lost his wife so recently.
Would it not be wonderful to have Mr. Williams and Mr. Sowell in a republican administration cabinet?
W| 12.19.11 @ 12:19PM
Al Adab
Will have to get the book. Whe he hosted Rush's show he would always joke about his wife, how she cleaned the gutters, shoveled the driveway, cut the grass. Had a great line, "black by popular demand."
Al Adab| 12.19.11 @ 2:00PM
W:
Like Hogberg said, it could have used another hundred pages. It's a fun read and quite revealing of Dr. Williams sense of humor. You'll enjoy it.
W| 12.19.11 @ 5:01PM
Al Adab
Have you read any of Thomas Sowell's books? They are very good especially "Black rednecks and white liberals," and "Vision of the Annointed." The economics books are also good.
Al Adab| 12.19.11 @ 6:10PM
I do have several of them W. The "Race and ..." trilogy along with Vision and a couple more. Always very insightful as well as part of a good education.
Steve| 12.19.11 @ 12:05PM
Have always thought the best Rush Limbaugh shows are the ones when Dr Williams is guest-hosting. He usually gets Dr Sowell on the phone too. They both are more entertaining than Rush himself, IMHO.
VonMisesJr| 12.19.11 @ 2:06PM
Merry Christmas my friends. I just got a delivery today from www.mises.org and I am all tingly.
I got "Economics in One Lesson" for my nephews, and "Money, Bank Credit, and Economic Cycles" by de Soto for myself for Christmas.
I envy anyone who met or was taught by either Dr. Sowell or Dr. Walter E. Williams. I met Sowell's friend Mychal Massie at a TEA Party rally. I have also met Peter Ferrara who writes for American Spectator and Dr. Moffit from Heritage at meetings and events, among other interesting people.
While I am not a groupie, it is interesting to meet and have discussions with learned people. They also then realize that we are not all "Noble Savages" or a "Bewildered Herd" the liberal elites portray us as.
VMJr.
Riff Raff| 12.19.11 @ 3:27PM
Walter Williams has written an autobiography? Ha! President Bozo has written TWO! Top THAT!
David Hogberg| 12.19.11 @ 5:28PM
Mr. Pennell,
Yes, I forgot to put in the "E." Sorry about that.
Also, I thought I'd seen or heard just about every permutation of my last name, "Hogwartsberg". A bit cutting too, since I don't like any of the Harry Potter movies.
Best,
DH
Abigail Adams| 12.22.11 @ 10:16PM
I love Dr. Walter E. Williams. I have read his autobiography and many of his articles. Go to his website and get a college education. Dr. Williams is brilliant; he can explain complex things in such elementary terms that anybody can comprehend.
Rich Birkett | 12.23.11 @ 1:09PM
How convenient AS urges us to buy books by libertarians such as Walter Williams, and criticizes libertarian Republican candidate Ron Paul. Typical of conservatives who borrow libertarian arguments against big government, but really don't want the smaller government libertarians advocate.
Charie| 12.23.11 @ 11:04PM
There's a difference between a reasoned libertarian and an off-the-cliff libertarian. It's like the difference between butter and margarine. They both look alike but the taste and texture are very different.