This post came as a result of an article that I read online; I had to make a comment on it, though it was short, I did. Here’s the link if you desire to read what I thought was a slippery piece of information:
This is an extremely delicate issue. I do have a few questions I would pose to those that are against race-based affirmative action (AA). First, have you who oppose this type of AA done any substantive research on its purpose? Are you under the assumption that the “playing field” today is equal? If the field is equal today, can you point out either the event that caused this or at least a period of time that created this equality?
I’m convinced that often people forget that for approximately 246 years European Americans were as a group able to become educated, fill prominent leadership roles, acquire economic wealth, and spend their families all throughout the US. During this time, Blacks in particular, were enslaved and it was illegal to learn, illegal to buy property, illegal to run for any office—let alone actually fulfill leadership roles. Of course the list goes on. My point is that European Americans have had a substantial “head start” as it were—246 years! Have the last 40 years of lackluster AA reversed that?
By no means is AA a perfect remedy—it has faults—people that shouldn’t receive it do at times. When implemented correctly it fulfills what it was designed to do—make life more equitable! I doubt that there is a perfect remedy for such a horrific institution (slavery), but AA is the best thing that we have for the time being.
I’m taken back by those that with a straight face can say that life is equal as far as opportunities are concerned. I honestly don’t know what to say to you. But if we were to hypothetically say that things were equal (I’m certainly not conceding to that), would that necessitate doing away with race-based AA? Simply because we hypothetically have equal opportunities doesn’t mean that things are equitable (the point of AA along with diversifying various roles and positions). If you and I take off running around a track at the same time, we have an equal opportunity to finish at the same time; however, if you get a 246 yard head start, it isn’t equitable nor is it realistic for me to catch up with no assistance.
Lastly, one comment said something analogous to Whites being minorities in 2030, and what would those (who are White) that propose AA think then. Again, let’s say that in 2030 Whites are demographically minorities…this won’t carry over to positions of power…nor will it carry over into ownership…nor will it carry over into economic status. Those that are actually running the country (and everything else for that matter) will still look like you—don’t worry your little head.
If you are truly interested in continuing a respectable conversation on this topic, post a comment on my blog:
matthewross35.wordpress.com
Found you! I went back to read what folks had been sayin’ about Drew’s OpEd in the Oregonian, and there you were, the one that made me nod my head and say “mmmhmm!”
You’re on to something here–numerical minority doesn’t equal decreased power and privilege for whites, and “opportunity” doesn’t equal 240+ years of access and open doors. We need to open our eyes to the systemic gate keeping that does its best to keep people out, and keeps others in and fully invested in the status quo.
Keep on.
Here, here! I love the track analogy! I would also like to say to those people who think AA is not needed, “Remember Katrina?” Obviously it is not a equal playing field for all, even in our recent years our country has placed poor and black people on the back burner. Rich whites never would have faced so much lack of help…. What little protection AA provides should be honored and if given the chance expounded upon.
Maybe there should be a clause in AA for making sure black people are protected during times of national emergencies?
I really can’t believe people are upset over AA…. Of course they are most likely white people. And I learned from a great teacher named Pedro that white people are used to getting what they want, so to be turned down because of one’s color is almost absurd…. but not if you are black….. Great Blog Matt.