Paternalistic Approach
It is interesting to me that as a society, we are able to withstand the idea that the educational system is inherently unequal and choose to do nothing about it. Those that received the short end of the stick are the people of color.
In contrast, when the issue at hand affects the majority’s interests, especially those that negatively affect the majorities perceived notion of fairness in college admissions, all hell breaks loose. People then begin to cite “reverse discrimination”.
It goes without saying that this accusation carries more weight than if used by people of color.
People that are against affirmative action usually state that one of the reasons they are against it is because it “stigmatizes” the minorities that are being granted such an opportunity.
The reasoning goes: Apart from “reverse discrimination” affirmative action is not a good solution because it “stigmatizes” minorities as not having the ability to achieve such levels of success. Everyone at the school will think that they are not there for their “smarts”, but are there because of their color. We do not want them to suffer from stigmatization so affirmative action is not the best solution.
I strongly feel that as a person of color, I am already “negatively stigmatized” as being a thief, rapist, stupid and unable to perform in higher education. Even with these ever-present pre-conceived notions about me and people of color as a whole, I feel that if given the opportunity, and the resources, I and every other person of color could perform just as well or better than all of the people that make up the majority.
With this reasoning in hand, I would suggest that the majority STOP using a paternalistic approach to de-legitimizing affirmative action and begin to acknowledge that until the proverbial playing field is equal, racial minorities need some help. If this help comes in the form of affirmative action, I will take it!
In contrast, when the issue at hand affects the majority’s interests, especially those that negatively affect the majorities perceived notion of fairness in college admissions, all hell breaks loose. People then begin to cite “reverse discrimination”.
It goes without saying that this accusation carries more weight than if used by people of color.
People that are against affirmative action usually state that one of the reasons they are against it is because it “stigmatizes” the minorities that are being granted such an opportunity.
The reasoning goes: Apart from “reverse discrimination” affirmative action is not a good solution because it “stigmatizes” minorities as not having the ability to achieve such levels of success. Everyone at the school will think that they are not there for their “smarts”, but are there because of their color. We do not want them to suffer from stigmatization so affirmative action is not the best solution.
I strongly feel that as a person of color, I am already “negatively stigmatized” as being a thief, rapist, stupid and unable to perform in higher education. Even with these ever-present pre-conceived notions about me and people of color as a whole, I feel that if given the opportunity, and the resources, I and every other person of color could perform just as well or better than all of the people that make up the majority.
With this reasoning in hand, I would suggest that the majority STOP using a paternalistic approach to de-legitimizing affirmative action and begin to acknowledge that until the proverbial playing field is equal, racial minorities need some help. If this help comes in the form of affirmative action, I will take it!
posted by idealist at 7:31 PM
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