Final answer:
Racial inequality in the Special Period was perpetuated by social, political, economic, and cultural factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Racial inequality in the Special Period in the United States was perpetuated by several factors, including social, political, economic, and cultural influences.
1. Social Factors: Segregation and discrimination based on race created a divided society where opportunities and resources were unequally distributed, perpetuating racial inequality.
2. Political Factors: Policies such as the War on Drugs disproportionately targeted minority communities and resulted in higher rates of arrest and incarceration, further exacerbating racial disparities.
3. Economic Factors: Racial discrimination in employment, housing, and access to capital limited economic opportunities for minority groups, leading to increased poverty and inequality.
4. Cultural Factors: Stereotypes, biases, and prejudice embedded in society maintained racial inequalities by perpetuating discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.