One point of discussion that stuck with me and caused a bit of internal conflict--and still does--is the argument for affirmative-action. Indeed it has historically allowed for minorities the opportunity to work and learn when they otherwise could not because of the color of their skin or their gender. One claim against the quota, however is that it forces a merit-less system and possibly provides for a weaker student or employee to have more precedence over a more advanced or skillful student or employee. But a counter to that argument would be that minorities are at times underprivileged and not assisting with quotas would allow for the cycle of abuse and poverty to continue and allow for a uneven representation of professionals.
But to both these sides I say, Have some confidence in the American people. To suppose that out of the 3 million or so seniors that will graduate this year, not enough African-Americans, or women or Hispanics or other minority groups will not meet whatever standard is absurd. Race and gender are not great standards to judge upon. If anything allowing race or gender to factor into a decision should be forbidden, and decisions of employment and admission should only be based on achievement. Even names are being discriminated against nowadays.
Like I state in my last example, there are many situations however where a quota may become necessary. If old-world discrimination is to survive, it can become a hedge against such practices. And misuse, like Bell Hooks says, "this always puzzled me since the majority of affirmative-action positions filled . . . went to white women" (Hooks 99), must be curbed to stop the inequality within the unequal equality. However, I believe that like with any policy, it should not matter much if it is the year 2016 or the year 2116, governance should be focused on the long-term.
Problems with distribution of opportunities among protected classes should instead be principally built upon increasing opportunities within primary and secondary schools and creating equal education and better respect for teachers. Before college or employment. On that note we should follow Finland and pay our teachers a hell of a lot more money for the work they do and provide them with better resources for literally supplying the country with its future.
To turn to a another, but just as important perspective, it takes a tremendous amount of bravery for women and men to join the ranks of the military, but to differentiate between them and set different standards, like weight, strength and endurance, to fill some quota is demeaning to the army and women in general. To allow a distinction between genders is not feminism but sexism. It sends the message loud and clear that we as a country do not expect much from 50% of the population.
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I regret to inform the reader that this was my third attempt at a blog for this week. Real writing is not in the mental splurge of words and ideas, but in the delicate editing that goes into making a good piece great. The pieces, while lengthy, went off into wild tangents, tense, sensitive issues and even personal anecdotes that I frankly am not comfortable sharing without absolute precision. I create this note with the intention and hope that I'll one day--maybe soon--make those pieces great. ZH
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