Many misunderstand affirmative action's aims

Editor:

I would like to respond to John Keisling's article, "Affirmative action is added racism" (Wildcat, August 30). Mr. Keisling's idealistic notion of colorblindness backfires as his message continues to display only loopholes in his argument. His desire for official racial discrimination to end is an admirable one, yet unrealistic.

In defense of affirmative action, this type of opportunity provided to those under-represented is aiming at ending racism, not reinforcing it. Although it is true that most of society forms pictures in their heads of extremely unqualified minorities performing an appendectomy when they hear the term, "affirmative action," this should not be a reason to bash the program. People's ignorance about those issues involving the goals and intentions of affirmative action should not provide for its death.

On the other side of the spectrum though, some minorities may utilize those opportunities given to them out of context, making the goals of affirmative action seem unadmirable and unjust in some circumstances. Mr. Keisling's article displays a defensive outlash toward affirmative action. In doing so, he fails to consider those minorities in the past who have excelled via merit only and those of us who, in the future, will attempt and fail because of discrimination. Therefore, those minorities who choose to take advantage of the program do so in response to those who feel that just because we are minorities we are unqualified and undeserving. This doesn't make it right, however. And the quotas only place boundaries on effective communication between the races and misdirect the goals of equality which affirmative action has tried so hard to provide. I do believe, with close revision, that affirmative action can promote fairness, build a better future for all Americans, and provide peace and understanding. This can only be accomplished if there was a way of ridding the feeling of incompetence that those minorities with talent, integrity, intelligence and ambition experience when selected for a very demanding position.

There have been many works on the desirability of a colorblind society. It's too bad, but I think that despite all of the social engineering and technology which flourishes today, I will probably be 65 years old, relaxing in my chair, drinking my coffee, reading about how a gifted and intelligent young college senior feels cheated out of the opportunity to prove to herself and to the world that she is something fabulous Ÿ all because of the way society's perceptual abilities about these important issues have been polluted.

Jennifer James

Psychology senior

Read Next Article