Americans also accept restrictions on individual freedom in the field employment discrimination. Laws like Title VII clearly restrict the freedom of racists to deny employment or promotions to people of a particular race. I know agreement on this issue is not as universal as it is on issues like theft and murder. But the vast majority of Americans accept it because these laws protect the freedom of huge numbers of employees to work in the job for which they are best qualified. In addition, note how this policy promotes efficiency in the marketplace.
Racial discrimination prevents an efficient distribution of the labor force.
Two common themes become apparent in the freedom-restricting laws we accept. First, although they restrict certain freedoms of some individuals, they promote a greater atmosphere of freedom in society. Theft laws promote the freedom to own and hold property. Discrimination laws promote the freedom to work where you are best qualified. Second, these laws promote efficient operation of the free market.