If Affirmative Action Or Race-Based Programs Were Abolished, How Can We Help All Compete Successfully?

Question

In the event that affirmative action and similar programs are abolished, what can community leaders, educators, students and parents do to ensure that everyone, regardless of background and history, are able to compete not only on a national level, but international level as well? What sorts of programs can we create? Do cultural, social, psychological factors caused by historical injustice make Affirmative Action necessary? I believe that superior education and skills, particularly in fields such as science and engineering, is one of the things that will lead to economic development and improved conditions in disadvantaged communities, allowing them to compete and establish a respectable reputation in the global community, but if our students accept the bigotry of low expectations or are subject to lower standards by account of their race or whatever, how does this prepare them for true competition? Doesn't this hurt them in the long run or not?

I realize that Affirmative Action is a very emotional topic for alot of people, but please be respectful, and no racist comments. Thanks.

Answer 1

Thank you for your question. This is a very complex topic and I'm not sure I can cover everything, but I will try to answer your question. First of all, let me say that I absolutely believe that affirmative action is necessary to level the playing field in a world that is still marked by vast inequalities. I really believe that affirmative action, at its core, is really a good thing. This is true for all minorities in the US, but it's particularly true for African Americans. I believe that the historical injustices that have happened in the past to African Americans have been handed down from generation to generation and yes, are still present today. I see these vast discrepancies every day - they are visible in income disparities, in neighborhood disparities, and in the attitudes of individual people.

That being said, I believe that the original intent of affirmative action - to give African Americans a chance to catch up with their white counterparts - is no longer there. Instead, quotas and low standards have become commonplace in top universities and at some companies. To me, this is completely unfair and undermines the original intent of affirmative action. Like you said, low expectations are a form of racism too. Personally, I find quotas and lowered expectations to be an insult to my intelligence. I think what we really need to do is put more money into education. We need to "bridge the gap" between white and black students in this country. More funding must be given to inner-city schools for better books, computers and supplies. Better and more qualified teachers must be introuduced into inner city classrooms, which will not only benefit students' learning but which will also help to develop their entire being. There is not an easy solution here - it took centuries for us to get to this point, but how long will it take to reverse the damage?

Answer 2

Michigan is already getting rid of affirimative action so my whole idea would be as a minority I would just keep working harder and doing what I have to do to get to my goals. Anybody of any race can get where they want to in life if they really want it....Some people believe if it wasnt for affirmative action certain people wouldnt be where they are at. Without even thinking that they are either qualified or has the experience.

Answer 3

Acts 10:34 for a certainty I perceive that God is not partial but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Give everyone an education, regardless of race or national orgin.
Give everyone an opportunity for a job. What they do with that opportunity is up to them. Give everyone an opportunity for a house purchase or condo or mobile home. what ever he wants and can afford. But we all get the same opportunity. That works.

Answer 4

at the same time as the affirmative action grow to be first used, it grow to be to mainstream the races and produce them closer jointly and gives you a better effective probability at jobs and preparation. Now very nearly 50 years later it like a lot law nonetheless on the books has served it really is objective. that is time now to positioned the previous in the back of us and flow ahead. the in hardship-free words authentic objective that it serves now's to construct resentment and is used via some who're not qualified to rigidity a corporation or college to provide them the region they search for. there'll continuously be lack of information and biases that are ensue in racism from both part, yet you may not remedy self imposed lack of information. once grow to be the time that an interracial marriage grow to be an extremely good taboo, yet now that is named accepted about everywhere. it really is a demonstration of authentic progression that could not be left out. to employ or grant a position in preserving with race on my own does a disservice to all aspects of the issue. skills on my own should be the in hardship-free words interest in granting a position to everybody.

Answer 5

i would have to say the person who is brightest should get the job. although with this government that we have here there is no way to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance. there are to many holes in the system. until the system is fixed a hope for this sort of change is to far out of reach.

Answer 6

Who says we have to. You would be defeating the sival of the fittest theory. We cant ALL be doctors and lawyers. I need someone to make my cheesburgers and dig my ditches

Answer 7

Affirmative action is another ridiculous liberal program that doesn't work, and causes harm.