Final answer:
I disagree that white privilege and systemic inequality no longer exist in the United States. Despite legal advancements and societal shifts towards equality, significant disparities in access to opportunities, wealth, and socioeconomic status continue to affect people of color and other marginalized groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
I disagree with the statement that white privilege is entirely eradicated and that everyone has equal access to opportunity in the United States. While legal segregation has ended, and slavery is no more, the escarpments of institutional racism still subtly shape economic, civic, and educational realities. Historical and modern-day discrimination has led to systematic inequalities that can create barriers for many people, particularly for people of color.
For instance, the legacy of slavery and segregation still influences the structures of our society, and the impact on wealth accumulation and access to education remains significant. The National Urban League's 2020 Equality Index showed that Black people's overall equality level with White people is improving but not yet equal. The reported index was 71 percent in 2010, revealing a persistent disparity.
Additionally, the pervasiveness of inequality is evident in today's society. In socioeconomic terms, the wealth gap has widened, and CEO compensation has significantly outpaced the average workers' wages. While women and minorities hold the right to vote and are protected under the law, systemic biases and unequal treatment still exist and reflect the challenges of achieving true equality.