Blog 11: Affirmative Action 1/15/17

Affirmative action was first implemented to combat the segregation of minorities in the education and work forces. It was a sort of compensation for the years of inequality and discrimination. Considering what the goal of affirmative action was originally, I think it was accomplished successfully. The percentages of women and minorities in universities and companies has grown over the years, with positions being held specifically for these applicants. I think the current day argument is ironic and outdated. While the intent is pure, it upholds the idea that race separates human beings. While race is definitely crucial to one's identity, it should not be what makes or breaks an application or resume. It is not something that should either bring benefits or take them away. The idea of being "just" and for "equal opportunity" shouldn't be rooted in a set percentage of applicants being of that minority. That is just grazing what the real problem is, and that is the enormous gap in socio-economic status. The socio-economic status is what needs to be at the core of affirmative action. Affirmative action should provide opportunity in a holistic approach, taking in students with various backgrounds but providing appropriate funding for those students. There are millions of aspiring young adults in impoverished areas of the world that just don't have the network nor means to fulfill their potential. Providing scholarships to students like these will help sow the gap between minorities and majorities. There will also be no more arguments against affirmative action that state minorities who are put into a position amongst others who have had opportunities their whole lives might feel like they are not good enough, since these students would be just as bright as their peers. I liked what Morgan Freeman responded when asked how do we end racism. He said, "Stop talking about it." The emphasis on race and nothing else shines a spotlight that isn't going anywhere. The real problem is an increase in tuition and a decrease in the affordability for low-income students who just need the right push. While some action is needed, it is not the affirmative action that we know connotatively. The new understanding should be an equal opportunity for all students despite background, not a "special spot" for a lucky minority who might just be there for the statistic. That is demeaning.