Alternatives to civil rights laws

[firefox]

As we all know, a (more) just government is one that doesn't play favorites based on race, gender, religion, etc. However, how does this apply to the rest of us? I would argue that workplace anti-descrimination laws are illegitimate because they let the state own your business and not you and/or your employees. Either way, descrimination sucks, so what can be done to create a "best of both worlds" situation?

One example in place today is the BBB, AAA, and other similar membership organizations that help customers/constituents. Typically, when such a group finds out about rampant abuse like this, it will drop such a business' positive status like a hot potato! Business related insurance could also operate this way, if it doesn't already (Never bought any so I don't know). For extra efficiency and fairness, certification organizations (either for or non profit) centered around demographic equality might very well emerge. IMHO, if government regulations were gradually dissolved, private market-based regulations of a different sort would develop. After all, nearly everyone wants such services, and businesses would have to conform to reality to grow, or face ruin. This would doubtlessly be an economic offer few could resist!

[Rider]

Good post, firefox. I think that overall, the most effective factor in controlling discrimination against minorities is the growing financial power of the minority community. Any business executive that would rather lose his or her market share in a lucrative market because of discriminatory practices will not be in business or employed for long.

I have always believed that economic equity will do more for race relations in our society than any coersion the government can bring to the issue.

[firefox]

This is true. Also economic relations forces people of different backgrounds to treat each other with some manner of respect, even if one or both parties doesn't want to at first. After all, if the transactions are voluntary you have to make concessions if you want to buy/sell from someone!