Quote:
Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
Affirmative Action. Are you for it or against it? Under what circumstances? And what do you understand this term to mean?
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In reverse order: A program designed to create more diversity in schools, workplaces, etc. A program that if managed correctly will bring the strengths of different cultures, ethinic and socio-economic backgrounds to the forefront to the benefit of all. There's a great deal the Dean of Harvard Law could learn from a black street cop from NYC, however, given the probable economic situation of the street cop the Dean is going to be robbed of a valuable learning experience. AA could remedy that. Given those circumstances I am for it 100%.
On the other hand, AA attacks the notion of meritocracy (the more one does the more one is allowed to do), and in many cases is not only unnecessary and stigmatizing, it can close off ways for people to prove themselves on their abilities.
If the education and economic playing fields were level there would be no need for Affirmative Action. Even that is not quite true, though. If the education field were more equal then the economics would straighten themselves out sooner or later.
My thinking is that the military is the great equalizer in that all troops are given the same schools regardless of family background or ability to pay. DoD schools on post get the same funds regardless of local tax base. (Military Academies excluded for various reasons)