I think I changed my mind about affirmative action

[SpicyMcVoodoo]

I used to support it because I thought blacks were systematically put at a disadvantage in the game of life, and therefore it was only fair to give them a systematic boost through AA. And in theory, I would still support programs which give people an advantage who've been historically held back.

However, none of these programs were meant to be permanent. They were only supposed to be temporary fixes until people stopped being hung up on race, and then we could go back to a colorblind society.

But that's the problem...you're never going to get to a colorblind society when you have programs like AA. It keeps putting race in the forefront of people's minds and perpetuates the notion that certain races aren't qualified enough on there own merits. So as a result, AA becomes a permanent system because its self perpetuating, which means it's not curing the problem it sought to fix, but only keeps it alive.

[garbagemanlb]

Originally Posted by SpicyMcVoodoo

I used to support it because I thought blacks were systematically put at a disadvantage in the game of life, and therefore it was only fair to give them a systematic boost through AA. And in theory, I would still support programs which give people an advantage who've been historically held back.

However, none of these programs were meant to be permanent. They were only supposed to be temporary fixes until people stopped being hung up on race, and then we could go back to a colorblind society.

But that's the problem...you're never going to get to a colorblind society when you have programs like AA. It keeps putting race in the forefront of people's minds and perpetuates the notion that certain races aren't qualified enough on there own merits. So as a result, AA becomes a permanent system because its self perpetuating, which means it's not curing the problem it sought to fix, but only keeps it alive.

I would say I'm mixed about AA. While on the one hand I see its benefits as a way of counter-acting centuries of 'discrimination' (to put it lightly) and furthering the playing field, I also see it as being detrimental in the sense that it causes further resentment among many people (and thus magnifying the issue of race for certain people).


Basically, I agree with you, but without any other alternative, I will continue to support the issue.

[JaJae]

Originally Posted by SpicyMcVoodoo

I used to support it because I thought blacks were systematically put at a disadvantage in the game of life, and therefore it was only fair to give them a systematic boost through AA. And in theory, I would still support programs which give people an advantage who've been historically held back.

However, none of these programs were meant to be permanent. They were only supposed to be temporary fixes until people stopped being hung up on race, and then we could go back to a colorblind society.

But that's the problem...you're never going to get to a colorblind society when you have programs like AA. It keeps putting race in the forefront of people's minds and perpetuates the notion that certain races aren't qualified enough on there own merits. So as a result, AA becomes a permanent system because its self perpetuating, which means it's not curing the problem it sought to fix, but only keeps it alive.

I would have to say I agree with you. I used to be all for affirmative action. It wasn't until a few years ago that I changed my mind on it as well. I'm still for affirmative action, just not the way it's being done now and not based solely on race. There needs to be other criteria and I think getting rid of affirmative action and helping people based on need is the way to go.

My biggest problem is why does a good black kid and a good white kid growing up in Harlem have different opportunities? Same grades, same income, same upbringing. Why does the black kid get a chance to leave the ghetto, but the white kid is on his own?

I think there needs to be fairness. If we used a need based system the majority of the aide would still go to minorities. And that's the way it should be. It takes away the entitlement mentality and is more fair than the system we have in place. It also helps promote and end to the race conflicts rather than uphold them.

[smokie700]

I hate AA. Promos and benefits should not be given to someone based on race, sex or culture. They should be given to people who have passed specific criteria based on their personal situation. Companies should be allowed to hire who they wish and if they choose to hire an incompentent white guy then they can deal with the lost productivity. If i owned a business I would want to hire the best person, not the best black/hispanic/asian person.

By making specials rules for minorities you only advance the idea that they are owed something.

[KatKanPlay]

Originally Posted by smokie700

I hate AA. Promos and benefits should not be given to someone based on race, sex or culture. They should be given to people who have passed specific criteria based on their personal situation. Companies should be allowed to hire who they wish and if they choose to hire an incompentent white guy then they can deal with the lost productivity. If i owned a business I would want to hire the best person, not the best black/hispanic/asian person.

By making specials rules for minorities you only advance the idea that they are owed something.

Affirmative Action is a reform that was very, and let me say it again, very necessary after the civil rights movement in this country. People were locked out of opportunities based solely on race and sex. Without AA, poverty in this country was rampant in the black community because they simply werent allowed access to equal opportunities and pursuit of the American Dream. Having said that I also believe that it is a reform that worked to move this country forward but may now be something that could hinder that forward momentum. I no longer believe that AA is necessary.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by SpicyMcVoodoo

I used to support it because I thought blacks were systematically put at a disadvantage in the game of life, and therefore it was only fair to give them a systematic boost through AA. And in theory, I would still support programs which give people an advantage who've been historically held back.

However, none of these programs were meant to be permanent. They were only supposed to be temporary fixes until people stopped being hung up on race, and then we could go back to a colorblind society.

But that's the problem...you're never going to get to a colorblind society when you have programs like AA. It keeps putting race in the forefront of people's minds and perpetuates the notion that certain races aren't qualified enough on there own merits. So as a result, AA becomes a permanent system because its self perpetuating, which means it's not curing the problem it sought to fix, but only keeps it alive.

Good post, did you read my thread last week on AA?

[SpicyMcVoodoo]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Good post, did you read my thread last week on AA?

no.