The End of Race Politics

Arguments for a Colorblind America

By: Coleman Hughes

Narrated by: Coleman Hughes

An exciting new voice makes the case for a colorblind approach to politics and culture, warning that the so-called ‘anti-racist’ movement is driving us—ironically—toward a new kind of racism.

As one of the few black students in his philosophy program at Columbia University years ago, Coleman Hughes wondered why his peers seemed more pessimistic about the state of American race relations than his own grandparents–who lived through segregation. The End of Race Politics is the culmination of his years-long search for an answer.

Contemplative yet audacious, The End of Race Politics is necessary reading for anyone who questions the race orthodoxies of our time. Hughes argues for a return to the ideals that inspired the American Civil Rights movement, showing how our departure from the colorblind ideal has ushered in a new era of fear, paranoia, and resentment marked by draconian interpersonal etiquette, failed corporate diversity and inclusion efforts, and poisonous race-based policies that hurt the very people they intend to help. Hughes exposes the harmful side effects of Kendi-DiAngelo style antiracism, from programs that distribute emergency aid on the basis of race to revisionist versions of American history that hide the truth from the public.

Through careful argument, Hughes dismantles harmful beliefs about race, proving that reverse racism will not atone for past wrongs and showing why race-based policies will lead only to the illusion of racial equity. By fixating on race, we lose sight of what it really means to be anti-racist. A racially just, colorblind society is possible. Hughes gives us the intellectual tools to make it happen.


* This audiobook edition contains a downloadable PDF of key graphs, charts, and other visual aids from the book.

Critic reviews

“Humans have dignity and rights because of their ability to flourish and suffer, not their pigmentation. The affirmation of that moral principle here is humane, judicious, eloquent, and timely.”–STEVEN PINKER, professor at Harvard University and author of Enlightenment Now

“No one gives me greater hope that we will one day come to our senses about race than Coleman Hughes. He is the living example of our future sanity.” –SAM HARRIS, New York Times bestselling author of Waking Up

“When I started writing on race twenty-five years ago, I hoped young people would read me and be assured that being melodramatic, tribal, and pessimistic on race issues is not higher wisdom. Coleman Hughes is exactly what I hoped would happen, and this book is spun gold from start to finish.” –JOHN McWHORTER, associate professor of linguistics at Columbia University and New York Times bestselling author of Woke Racism

“[Hughes’s] thesis ought to become required reading for students of all races on every college campus in America.” –GLENN LOURY, professor of economics at Brown University

“With unusual clarity, [Hughes] offers not merely a damning critique of all the ways the all-American skin game has failed us—he provides a compelling, positive vision of the heights we could reach together were we to finally stop playing.” –THOMAS CHATTERTON WILLIAMS, author of Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race

common sense approach to racism

well written, intelligent perspective on race, what we are doing right, and wrong. why we continue to struggle, and those who continue to push increased racial divide.

Great argument for color blindness

It was good to hear an alternative to some of the teachings of DEI as it pertains to race and racism. Coleman Hughes does a great job of backing up his argument with historical and facts and data. Glad the narration was done by Coleman, it was an enjoyable listen!

Well reasoned and carefully organized. Insightful.

Carefully enumerates the arguments against colorblind policies and makes strong counter arguments. Good clarity of thought.

insightful and informative, highly recommended

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although many parts were similar to some of Thomas Sowell's works, it provided a fresh perspective. if you've read Discrimination and Disparities, Wealth Poverty and Politics, and Intellectuals and Race, then this book may not provide too much new information except for the fresh perspective of the author and modern examples. even so, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Wow so well written and logical points made!

Coleman Hughs makes me have hope for our country and the younger generations! He makes such logical points and love his counterpoints as its always good to hear the arguments on the other side. Im 52 years old and this feels like the america i grew up in with overall ideas of how people felt in our country and its so refreshing to hear someone this young saying these things. I first heard coleman speak on CNN and thats where I fell in love with his fact based points without emotional points that seem to be playing to an agenda. Then I started following him on instragram and his podcast. After he wrote this book, i was so thrilled to see him on more national shows like king charles and the view (he really did such an amazing job on this show in particular). It is my hope that his book is read by so many folks no matter if u agree or disagree as he makes logical points that one cannot deny. The future looks bright for usa if there are more 28 year olds like coleman who can make points with facts and debate topics with such grace - just like folks used to! I hope to see/hear coleman hughs more and more. So proud of him and hope he is elevated as someone to look up to/emulate in our society bc he deserves it!