Is Affirmative Action still relevant in this day and age?

Question

Should it be repealed or encouraged? Is there a downside for the Actionee, or for other African Americans in general? What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

The worst message America can give black and Hispanic students is not expecting them to measure up to the rest of America, Linda Chavez said. "Affirmative action is feeding them this devastating and racist message."

Remember that Chavez was instrumental in AA's beginnings.

I used to think I agreed with her entirely, but now I have a slightly different opinion. I'm not racist but I know that if I had been given a "leg up" in my formative years then I would be thinking in the back of my mind that I cheated somehow.

However, I still witness (through documentaries and social commentary) the fact that so many minority kids are still being held back by their circumstances and they have almost nothing in the way of a way out of their predicament. It's these kids who should be given the assistance and the scholarships.

I was heartened to read an article about six Hispanic High School kids who had beaten Harvard under-grads and other privileged kids in an underwater vehicle engineering contest. It was sad that they were held back from college admittance by their status within the state. That seems so cruel that these bright minds have to settle for Hig School graduation and the possibility of working in low-paying blue collar jobs. Their skills were definitely worthy of being allowed to blossom.

I think that Affirmative Action's time is over, and something different needs to replace it that is aimed at kids like these. Believe it or not, there are inequalities within minorities too.

Answer 2

If it had a use in the past, the current laws in force have pretty much removed any current need. If a minority, or anyone else, feels that they have been a victim of discrimination, there are rules and procedures in palce to deal with it. It should be repealed, or at least severely limited.

Answer 3

It is relevant in that its prevents certain organizations from hiring the best candidates and instead they hire one's needed to fill affirmative action requirements.

In a small town I know we got a seriously "over qualified" police chief from LA because he was a white male adult and was told he'd never promote again in LA due to affirmative action requirements. Thanks LA...your loss was our gain.

Answer 4

It is relevant to racists or feminists who wish to promulgate policies that give advantage to the racists or feminists in employment or education. A racist is someone who believes they should receive special treatment because of their race or sex.