Originally Posted by JavaBlack

The problem is that most of the remaining inequality is not being seen for what it is:
1. class... Blacks make up a disproportionate number of the poor and working poor. The problems they recognize as problems of the "black community" are really problems of the poor, particularly the urban poor- lousy schools, high crime, lack of opportunity, lack of capital, etc. They are better framed as problems of the poor than racially based problems.
2. social/cultural... There are no legislative barriers left really, but there are many social and cultural issues... more difficult because government can't do much. And in order to be addressed they must be brought up and brought to people's attention- but when this happens, people freak out.

I've had at least 3 employers who would discriminate against blacks. All low-skill jobs. Putting together that blacks disproportionately make up the class that is most likely to need these kind of jobs... and those jobs are disproportionately likely to discriminate when possible- that does equal a net loss of opportunity.
People seem to think this doesn't happen anymore, but I've seen direct evidence. Employers get a little loose-lipped around people they think sympathize with them (similar to how guys, when they're together, will often say a lot of disgusting crap about women- another annoying part of working those crappy bottom-rung jobs). I've actually seen people toss applications into the can over race.
No regulation will stop that. It's already illegal. They get around it.
Nothing short of cultural change will stop it.