My generation: Some are proud of their culture, others use the minority label as a crutch. My dad (a Boomer) used to go by Terry instead of his real name because it was easier to pronounce, and he was called demeaning names when he was younger. What do we all have in common? A culture rich in history, but everyone does something different with it.
Gen Y minorities are usually one of two things: Successful or mad at the system. The successful ones are always pushing themselves, trying for more and proud of their heritage. The others are mad at a system that they believe is against them because of the color of their skin. If something goes wrong, or they don’t achieve something, they believe it’s because of their race. Much of how we view things is based off our parents and their experience. I come from a Cuban family where you worked hard and stood up for what you believed in. It’s why my grandfather, a military captain, was a revolutionary thrown into jail for trying to overthrow the communist government.
I can be honest: I don’t believe in affirmative action. I don’t think it works, nor do I think it’s fair to the average person. Equal rights is about everyone being on the same level. As a Hispanic woman, many believe I have the wrong idea. No. I measure myself against everyone and anyone that I believe to be successful in my field, no matter their race, age or gender.
There are hardships in life – I can’t argue with that. But if we are truly an equal rights society, than everyone has to be on the same page. My culture doesn’t define me – it’s just a part of the puzzle that makes me up.
What do you think? Have Gen Y minorities changed from the Boomers? Is affirmative action fair?
Photo Credit: kamen-tabakov
One of the problems with many people who make arguments about why they are for or against anything is that they rarely have any facts and just spout what they believe based on what they feel rather than what they know, especially when it comes to extremely complex social issues. I would have taken your questions seriously, if you had said “this is an extremely complex social issue but this is what I believe and why.” Somehow, I missed any cogent reasons (and there are a lot of them) why you do not support Affirmative Action other than people are either proud of their culture or use it as a crutch, or minorities or either successful or mad at the system. How simplistic?!
It amazes me how people can reduce something to an either/or, when there are so many shades of gray out there. It is also interesting that you try to set your argument up as the Boomers against the Milenials (also known as Gen Y). Did you forget about the Gen Xers? The issues get complex based on whether you are born at the beginning or end of a generation; what part of the country you are born; and what social class you are born in.
Your comment “I come from a Cuban family where you worked hard and stood up for what you believed in.” is kind of offensive because you imply that other minorities are not hardworking or stand up for what they believe. When people speak about Affirmative Action, they most often are referring to African-Americans, although white women have benefited the most from it. African Americans (and many other people) have worked equally hard, have help built this country and fought for many of the freedoms that you have. They had done this under continuous degradation while their culture is constantly appropriated and the media only shows one negative image after another to demean and degrade (you should view the danger of the single story by Chimanada Adiche – http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the…).
In Robert Herbert’s recent column (Saturday, Jan 30, 2010) titled “Radical Treasure,” he says “Think of what this country would have been like if those ordinary people had never bothered to fight and sometimes die for what they believed in. Mr. Zinn refers to them as ‘the people who have given this country whatever liberty and democracy we have.’
I think you bring up an interesting topic for discussion but it is lacking in so many things. So, I would suggest that you
• Research and define what Affirmative Action is
• Review some of the legislation
• Read : When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America
• Read: Understanding Affirmative Action: Politics, Discrimination, And the Search for Justice
• Read: Naked Racial Preference: The Case Against Affirmative Action
• Read: The Death of the White Male: The Case Against Affirmative Action
I suspect you will not head my advice as it would challenge your beliefs and I get the sense that you are more interested in creating controversy than having a true debate.
Finally, I would like to relay one of the most compelling arguments I ever heard in support of Affirmative Action. A white business who worked in predominately African-American and Hispanics communities thought it was important to hire people in those communities and if they did not have the skill set to train them. He was asked why he supported Affirmative Action and he said, “You can never count on people to do the right thing.” I don’t think you have to look too far passed our banking and economy to realize how poignant and true that statement is.
I'll try to address everything.
Why I don't support affirmative action? I state here: “Equal rights is about everyone being on the same level. As a Hispanic woman, many believe I have the wrong idea. No. I measure myself against everyone and anyone that I believe to be successful in my field, no matter their race, age or gender.”
I shouldn't get anything over someone else because I'm a minority – who has the best qualifications? We shout from the rooftops that we shouldn't see color of skin, but aren't we spiting that by pushing affirmative action so hard?
I have researched and understand what Affirmative Action is. When I write blog posts, I tend to be a bit open ended to drive discussion to the comments. Is this the best approach? Not always. Saying “I suspect you will not head my advice as it would challenge your beliefs and I get the sense that you are more interested in creating controversy than having a true debate” is actually untrue. I value things that I can learn, and your suggestions of what to read? I've read most of them already. I will check out the other ones, though. Can I learn more? Always.
My goal was not to create controversy, but to express an opinion and something I had experienced. I wrote this post over 2 months ago and it was after a heated discussion about how my high school changed my race from Caucasian to Hispanic to make themselves “look more racially diverse” and that I was “smart” and it would make them look good. These were words said to me. My sister was kept as Caucasian.
By saying my family was hard-working? It doesn't mean others aren't. What it means? My family came over here with nothing at all – but they worked their asses off despite numerous hurdles. My grandfather fought against a communist government that TRULY oppressed people. They then came here and faced the same hurdles you detail here. They were mocked, and then the media mocked Hispanics.
I didn't forget about Gen X. My example was from personal experience, and the Boomer generation hits my dad, who experienced racial profiling much more than I did.
You might view me as ignorant, but I stand by what I say.
Affirmative action as an instrument used in admissions and hiring takes on many different shapes meanings and purposes.
What is Affirmative Action for your father's generation differs from what it is for me as a Gen-Xer, and what it for you as a Gen-Yer.
And it should. We are in NO WAY the same country we were when the term was coined.
I think its vital in any discussion of A-A to first define what you mean by Affirmative action before stating a firm for or against unless two things are true.
1. You are opposed to any race, gender, or class distinction and believe jobs should be given with no regard to any social strata.
2. You don't view diversity as a priority.
If either case is true, then you have no need for Affirmative action and the very idea of it only serves as a waste of time.
Failing that, You got yourself quite a kettle of fish that is going to require a great deal of Work to sift through and sort out.
First, I want to be clear. I don't think you are ignorant; a bit misinformed, but certainly not ignorant. So please do not accept that premise as the basis of me responding to your post. Based on my reading of your post, I thought it was a good topic but could have had more depth and breadth.
This is such a complex issue and many people people have been on both sides of the debate, including myself. However, you seem to be saying I don't support Affirmative Action because I was treating unfairly by being classified as Hispanic and my sister was classified as Caucasian. So, why not center your argument around why the school took that position and that you both should have been classified the same?
In terms of your recent comment about a government that “TRULY oppressed people,” are you seriously suggesting that the United States did no such thing? We might have to disagree on this point. The US put Japanese American citizens in internment camps during WWII. Chinese Americans citizens had difficulty with citizen until the late 19th century. We have labor laws that children have to work at 16 because we have courageous people who believed children should be going to school instead of working 12 – 13 hours days. And if this isn't enough to convince you that people have been oppressed in the US, you might want to take a look at these extremely graphic pictures – http://www.americanlynching.com/photos-old.htm.
I do not expect you to change your beliefs but understand all types of people will read what you write and some will agree and some will disagree. I never said I disagreed or agreed, for that matter. I was saying that I thought you could make a better argument and have some honest debate. I assumed you wanted people to respond or else you would not have asked the question.
Finally, I believe this is a great country but it is not perfect. One of the beautiful things about this country is the citizens truly try to make it a more perfect union. Many have been killed in an effort to do so.
The way your comment is addressed construed me in an ignorant light. Tone is always hard to read, so I appreciate you clarifying. I apologize for making that assumption.
The United States now is not oppressed. Was it? Yes. People in this country have done truly terrible things to individuals that didn't deserve it. People of this country faced it head on and made changes. We are constantly working toward equal rights – so let's keep doing it. But those in my Generation – Gen Y – who live here? They don't experience what I consider to be true oppression. Communism is such an extreme form that many Cubans that are 1st or 2nd generation refuse to vote Democrat. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the stories I've heard.
My example of my sister was just that – an example. I wanted to drive conversation around personal experiences and what people thought. I could have written it that way, but it wouldn't have been more beneficial to the community (in my opinion.) I don't believe in affirmative action because I believe in equal rights – and I believe that I should be measured against everyone regardless of social, economic, or racial status. I want to be successful because I'm Lauren, not because I'm a Hispanic woman. That is just a piece of me.
I'm a blogger for both my own blog and MarketingProfs Daily Fix. I know many will read my writings – that was never the case. Many will disagree. Disagreeing is good – it causes me to think, learn and engage with those I might not know. It's caused great conversation between us that I really feel I can take value from.
Thanks for making me think on many levels.
I truly believe that Affirmative Action overall has a negative effect by perpetuating the sense that minorities are somewhat less qualified to learn/work and be successful in their respective fields. Now, we also can't ignore the fact that minorities do have certain disadvantages because there is a gap in education, income level and the quality of life growing up. The question is how to bridge that gap, without enabling or creating a sense of entitlement.
I grew up in Mexico, in a middle class family. Have great parents, never lacked for anything and had the privilege to receive a great education. When I arrived to the US, I never felt I deserved some sort of special treatment for being Hispanic, it never even crossed my mind. Now at my company, people always ask me why I don't go after minority contracts or why I'm not minority certified, and my response is that I've always felt I can compete against the best out there without the need of some handout to get ahead. But that's just me.
I really think a lot of these issues come from the education we receive at home and the overall mindset of our parents. It defines our worldview and how we see ourselves.
I can't agree more that people should move forward in their lives based on merit. And if we played the game on a level field, this would be true…and just. Affirmative action recognizes that the playing field is not level. That despite a person having all the skills and qualifications, people in authority and power may make choices based on preconceived ideas, prejudices that they may not even be fully aware they have. For example, there have been numerous scientific studies that show that attractive men and women get hired more frequently — and with fewer qualifications — than less attractive people. Women's lack of presence on corporate boards isn't because they aren't qualified, but because the people making the decision have preconceived ideas of what women are capable of doing — or it may be because some women needed to take time off of work to have children, and as a result, were bypassed for promotion. Affirmative action — whether applied to people of colour, people with disabilities, women, and any other minority in a particular field of endeavour — tries to even the playing field. No more. No less.
I am a boomer and while I recognize the world has changed significantly since i marched for equal pay for work of equal value and initiatives like Affirmative Action, I also know that women still are paid only 75% of what men earn — often for the same jobs; that the overwhelming majority of people on corporate boards are white men; and even in industries that are dominated by women, men often have the most senior roles.
But I'm happy for your generation if you feel we've come a long way and have now arrived.
Number 1 is what I was really trying to drive home in this post – Equal is equal, no matter who you are.
You bring up a great point that one should define what you mean first, unless your two points are true. Generations ARE different when it comes to this. I think it resonates differently with each individual in the generation as well.
You provided a very insightful comment, and one that I am definitely thinking on.
Kudos for having the courage to post such a controversial topic. The balance of equality is always in flux whether racial, social or economic. The distance we have traveled to date is because of our resilience to balance the system. It is difficult for many younger people today to see the value of a tool like Affirmative Action. This is due to the positive impact it has had on society to date. We have a tendency to take for granted the gifts of our predecessors or ancestors. We accept them as the norm.
Had it not been for Affirmative Action and tools like it, many minorities, myself included (I'm Arican-American) would not have the opportunities (although still limited) that we see today. AA is not entitlement. If anyone feels that way, they are sadly mistaken. AA is about guiding organizations to find talent despite their attraction to sameness. AA is not meant to be fair, its meant to add balance. It doesn't say find a poor performer and hire him because he is a minority. It states that an organization should seek out the best talent amongst all races. If left to their norms, these same organizations would seek out the common as they have throughout history. Common always leaves out minorities despite their amazing potential.
Affirmative Action has been one of the catalyst that have helped America realize the power of its diversity. It is not only important but essential. Affirmative Action will be unnecessary when we forget about it because finding and hiring diverse talent is simply the norm without force or consequence but merely because we all believe it makes perfectly sound sense. When we look at a corporate org chart and every member or our society can feel like they belong, then we've arrived at the end of this chapter.
Lauren, I am proud that many millenials (I'm 40 so I'm an Xer) like yourself are challenging perceived truths. I have read many of your posts and contributions to #u30pro chats. I think your grandfather and family for that matter would be proud of what you are doing with the gifts they has given to you via your character. I respect that you can handle resistance and at the same time find your path to growth. We can all have a difference of opinion as long as we respect each other in the end.
Human nature is to surround people like yourselves. So if you have White skin you feel more comfortable around those with White skin. Brown and Black people have to work twice as hard to be halfway accepted by those in power. It's not right. I rather use the word diversity, diversity still needs to be put in place or else you'll have a workplace full of nepotism and with everyone who looks and acts the same.
I completely agree with you on all counts. With how family-oriented Hispanics are in general, your comment – “a lot of these issues come from the education we receive at home and the overall mindset of our parents. It defines our worldview and how we see ourselves” – really resonated.
I think it takes a lot of guts to not be minority certified. Why? It shows that you want to compete with everyone on the same level.
Your point about certain disadvantages? Absolutely. I would be truly ignorant if I didn't think those existed. I might have grown up in a bubble, but not that much of one.
But how will we know when that point has been reached? How will we know if equality has truly been found or if it's a false balanced based on a system that we've developed?
I can't speak for the rest of my generation (geny) but I know myself and many of my peers to be extremely tolerant. Within every race you'll find the good, the bad, the selfish, the skillful etc… Who I will choose to hire or work with in the future relied entirely on the merit of the individual, and to base it off any other generalization would be foolish.
I understand what you're saying that AA is not meant to cause those of lesser merit to gain opportunity where they're not fit, but that is what often happens, isn't it? How if offering someone opportunity because they're a minority any better than taking opportunity away from someone because they're not?
If we're truly going to find equality, I think we have to approach the playing field as it is, without forcing it one way or the other.
Wow, Terrence. This was an incredible comment, and I'm not sure where to start.
This is where I believe Affirmative Action worked, where you stated: AA is about guiding organizations to find talent despite their attraction to sameness. AA is not meant to be fair, its meant to add balance. It doesn't say find a poor performer and hire him because he is a minority. It states that an organization should seek out the best talent amongst all races.
Should affirmative action constantly be re-evaluated? I think so. I think it can constantly be improved on until it doesn't need to exist anymore. So many before Gen Y worked to get this country to the point it is at now – and you've really got me thinking on how Gen Y perceives affirmative action, and why it's different from other generations.
What a great compliment at the end. I really appreciate it. I'm glad we've connected!
Really good point – but could it also be about where you grew up? One of my best friends is African American, and he feels more comfortable around white people because of his environment.
I like the word diversity as well – we can be diverse on opinion, diverse on the way we react to situations, and continue to break down barriers.
Patti, I feel our age and experiences bridge our opinion on this topic. Being to young to march during civil rights but feeling the sting of isolation and exclusion from society helps me to understand the need for AA and policies like it. I am not insulted by the AA. Nor do I feel it belittles the value of minorities. Like you said, it levels the playing field and allows us to demonstrate our value.
I hope we don't lose the energy and progress of the civil rights movement in complacency. Thanks for fighting the good fight and believing America can and needs to be better.
I wouldn't say that my generation believes we've now arrived – more of our perception is different because we did grow up in equality. It's possible to be measured against anyone without being judged. I would hate to think I was evaluated solely because my resume said 'Fernandez' at the top.
I think women don't have a presence on corporate boards because many don't want it. They balance both family and work life, and sometimes it doesn't fit the mold of a job. I also think women have a harder time putting themselves out there. Is there still an imbalance? Yes, but I think it's slowly whittling away as well.
You're agreeing with me? What is the world coming to?!
Merit of the individual should win out every single time. We can't say one thing, and then do another. If we want equal rights, we have to do it. Affirmative Action should come naturally – pick the best person and consider all people, not just those who might make your company look more diverse.
Lauren,
I feel that this is an incredibly complex issue, but one that I may be able to speak to a little bit. I work with low income students, mostly minorities, and have been helping high school juniors prepare for the SAT and ACT and college applications next fall. I know that you're talking more about hiring practices, but affirmative action applies to more than that.
I think affirmative action is, unfortunately, necessary. I grew up in an upper-middle class area with solid public schools and even better private schools. I could afford SAT Prep classes and I could afford to attend an expensive college. The students I work with don't have those same opportunities. They were born in a place where schools are well below standard and the culture around them does not stress education. That being said, they're making a huge effort towards attending college by attending the school I work at. It's specifically tailored to their needs, but there are not a lot of schools like it. That being said, they still can't afford SAT Prep classes and must rely on donors & sponsors to be able to attend the school.
So, how do we even that playing field? American education SHOULD be the great equalizer, but it's not. Those who are poor, stay poor. Those who have parents who dropped out of high school, tend to drop out of high school. And, while I'd love to say that race doesn't matter, it's very much tied to socio-economic status and opportunity in this country. Because of this, affirmative action is necessary until things truly are equal.
Thanks,
Tom
Early childhood education is key in closing these gaps. I'm on the board of an organization called Avance http://www.avance-dallas.org, who's primary focus is to work with children ages 1 to 3 and their parents. It is amazing to see how many parents don't read to their children, or even have books at home. If we focused more on early education, there wouldn't be the need for Affirmative Action and similar programs.
Tom – You touched on a point that I really feel passionate about – and that's the disadvantages. It's why I go volunteer and speak so much to Hispanic kids in a school environment. I want to encourage them and tell them they CAN – when they might not hear it elsewhere. More programs need to be instilled across the country – I just fear we don't have enough non-profits or willing people to accommodate.
It's those teachers like you that can help mold these kids. One of the hardest working people I know – who is now a CEO of a company – went to a school where they didn't even have books. Her parents only got through 8th grade. She's worked hard to get where she is at.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful perspective – it's definitely something to think about re: education and affirmative action.
Our experience with society will mold our opinions. My experience with prejudice and ignorance aren't distant but continue to occur today. Because of these experiences, people like me or similar will have a more sensitive radar to their presence than others might.
Gen Y has some wonderful potential equally balanced by some concerning challenges. One value they seem to demonstrate is their willingness to include racial diversity in their social networks. As they move into positions of influence and authority within organizations, time will tell how they value diversity as a positive business decision. Like you, I am optimistic but my experience won't let me become complacent until every minority is represented within corporate America as they are demographically in this country or at least, the market they serve.
You are right in that policies like this can create challenges and vulnerabilities. Do unqualified people benefit sometimes weakening the intent of the system. Absolutely! However, just because some people can game a system, doesn't mean that you should shut it down. Seal those leaks as best as possible but push forward until a better system or policy is found.
Ask yourself this,
When in an urban supermarket with a customer base of African Americans, would a competent and qualified African American Manager be the right fit to manage that store.
An organization is initiating a project in Mexico City, would a competent and qualified Mexican American be the right fit to manage the project.
A pharmaceutical company decides to get into the make up industry, would a competent and qualified woman be the right fit to manage the initiative.
If someone were to answer no to any of these questions, than it would reinforce the case for AA. Affirmative Action pushes companies to ask these questions and consider them in their business decisions to create a level playing field. Whenever you see a misrepresentation of a consumer base and the leadership of the company catering to that consumer, you should ask yourself, “really, they couldn't find a qualified ___ to do that job.” You'll see this more than you want to and perhaps may feel why AA or something better still needs to be in place.
Equality is something that we should pursue and we'll all know when its here. However, humanity has never demonstrated equality in its entire history. Although I expect great things from Gen Y, I feel confident in saying that we won't find equality during their lifetime either. People will always use something (money, race, location) to leverage their power. Because of this, policy will always be needed to make sure that we don't leave anyone behind.
Many companies are downsizing smart, older employees because younger employees are cheaper. I understand age discrimination is pretty rampant these days. Companies aren't supposed to do it but they do. Would you ever ask “how is offering someone an opportunity because they are young any better than taking opportunity away from someone because they are not?”
Affirmative action includes age; just to add to the discussion.
While I admire your stance on principle, I think in the context of American Society, even as we have made the strides we have, It comes from a position that may minimize the historical legacy that some groups have suffered.
Affirmative Action was never about equality of individuals. That is defined by the law.
Affirmative Action is about equality of access. This country is a land of untold opportunity, but only if you have the ability to access it.
Many of us, aware or not, walk through doors that were and are held open by Affirmative Action. Our ability to Excel, our ability to create new opportunities, come from us. The access to those opportunities come from a legacy of Affirmative Action.
Interesting – I'll have to check that organization out.
Lauren, I think the challenge you, Patti and I have is the perception of our current state of equality. Today I am privileged with a beautiful home in West Los Angeles with a flourishing business. Like you, I grew up from wonderful yet modest working class parents in urban New York. I broke through barriers and found success. However, I realize that the opportunities I found weren't necessarily available to others.
Equality does not exist today in America (in my opinion). Sure we have our first African American President and that is a great accomplishment. However, there are many systems that exist that shift the balance of equality. A child born in the inner city is imprisoned in a system designed to keep him or her there. They have to attend schools that don't offer the same level of education as those in affluent neighborhoods. Their parents don't know how to get them or their children out of the system. The system limits their choices to survive and constantly challenges their resolve to contribute to a society that doesn't seem to care about them. Many, like you and me break through this because we grabbed the hand of opportunity which may not have reached out to us had it not been for AA.
I am not a woman clearly, but I do feel that most if not all, want opportunities. Many may feel suppressed by perceptions that they can't balance family and career or even that they want a family. When we stereotype what we feel a race, gender, class, etc, wants, than AA makes even more sense because it gives those women that want a career more than family the opportunity to be heard and pursue just that.
For those less fortunate than us I am committed and I ask you to join in avoiding dangerous complacency and shouting to all that America is great but we are not equal because we are willingly leaving many of our brothers and sisters behind who can and want to make this country great.
Here in Canada the words Affirmative Action were considered bad-words by many employers. As a result a similar program – Employment Equity was developed to give people an opportunity to succeed in a world dominated by white males. Although its slightly different from AA the programs both are aiming for the same goal. Righting a wrong that was done years ago and ultimately giving an opportunity to everyone regardless of gender, race and disability.
I have to agree with Terrence in saying that if it wasn't for these programs our countries would have never realized the value and power of diversity. Still today there are many organizations that from the very top to the bottom are the templated businessman. Today, statistics show that if I graduate with an MBA and a white friend of mine also graduates with an MBA, they'll still get paid more. Its unrealistic to say that things are perfect in corporate america (or canada). There is still something holding certain people back from equal pay and employment opportunities as a whole. I applaud the past generation for opening up so many doors and opportunities for this generation. However, with that said – I'm not so sure EE or AA is the still the “best” solution. With that said though…until someone can come up with a better solution, I think its all we got.
I do believe that most women want opportunities – but its truly how they define those opportunities. One of my friends is perfectly content raising her child while her husband works – and that's fine. Another friend is very corporate minded. Another balances them both out.
Times are changing though – I have a friend who runs the household while his wife works.
And organizations should see each of them based on their qualifications and fit into the open position. Not make a hiring decision based on their belief of where they think women belong in the workforce. That's what AA does.
David sure YOU would hire based solely on skill level but that's becoming a mentality of OUR generation. The generation still siting with at the top are the baby boomers and Generation X. While someone in our generation may base their decisions solely on skill level and experience. Many of those found baby boomers at the top still hold a strong bias against anyone who doesn't look like them, walk like them or pee like them.
If we approached the playing field as is – Current Executives would just bring in more execs that look like them and the cycle would continue UNTIL our generation got in. That would mean waiting a LONG time until we saw complete equality in the workforce. I don't know about you but I don't plan on kicking around this planet for 200 more years. Thus, until another way of creating equal opportunities arise, I think its the only way.
I know that I may not be at all qualified to speak on this topic, but it is something that my mother is passionate about (she's an elementary school teacher).
I did some research on this for a college essay I wrote a while back, and I think that Affirmative Action has good intentions, but doesn't address the problem. It tries to fix a symptom instead of attacking the real cause of the problem. I could never suggest that all things are truly equal in our country, there are definitely education and income gaps. But using Affirmative Action tries to solve the problem at the wrong end. Why not push for better early education and equality among young students? It seems that using Affirmative Action isn't really leveling the playing field, but making it OK to keep our early education programs the way they are. Why not challenge early education to improve and produce an equal opportunity?
Just my thoughts.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by STUARTFOSTER: Affirmative Action Isn’t Fair: A Millenial’s View – http://bit.ly/asyzrn...
I totally agree with Tom's comments. Well said! On the surface, Affirmative Action is unfair and it shouldn't be needed – but that's the sad part. It's actually necessary. Not only because of some of the points that Tom pointed out but also as a safe-guard against discrimination in the workplace – primarily in hiring (and especially in the private sector). So yes I do agree that inherently Affirmative Action is unfair and it does perpetuate a sense that minorities are not as qualified. It's just very unfortunate that if it weren't around, then qualified minorities probably wouldn't get the opportunities that are afforded to them. Sad but true.
Anyone is qualified to speak on this topic. It's a tough topic to talk about, and many believe that only minorities should have a say in it. That's not true.
I agree with you – there are huge gaps and disadvantages across the socio sphere. But I also agree with you that early education needs to be done among younger students. Environment that someone grows up in plays such a huge role with this that I find it difficult to avoid believing that.
I agreed with Tom's comment as well – and Tom is truly one of the most genuine people I know. He works in a place where he experiences it daily – and he truly sees the value in it as is. My experience has been different, which is why I tried to leave it a little open ended for those to share personal stories. Affirmative Action, if utilized properly, is about granting access to minorities to afford them equal chance in opportunity. Many employers sometimes fill a “diversity quota” and that's where another issue comes in.
I don't think it's just a surface thing that it's unfair. I do believe the system needs to be rehauled and issues should be addressed at a younger age.
Maybe I'm just lucky in the fact that I've never felt discriminated against in the workplace – some say it's because I have olive skin and look pretty white, but I'm proud to introduce myself with my last name. I've worked extremely hard to get where I'm at – and know that I don't get the opportunities I do just because I'm Hispanic. I know many minorities that also feel the same way. We have all had different experiences. I may have grown up in an upper class neighborhood, but I remember being teased about being half and half. Not always a walk in the park when it comes to this issue. Truly depends on the person, environment, etc.
Interesting blog, but it’s missing an important part of the equation: Generation Jones (born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and Generation X). Google Generation Jones, and you’ll see it’s gotten a ton of media attention, and many top commentators from many top publications and networks (Washington Post, Time magazine, NBC, Newsweek, ABC, etc.) now specifically use this term. In fact, the Associated Press' annual Trend Report chose the Rise of Generation Jones as the #1 trend of 2009. Here's a page with a good overview of recent media interest in GenJones: http://generationjones.com/2009latest.html
It is important to distinguish between the post-WWII demographic boom in births vs. the cultural generations born during that era. Generations are a function of the common formative experiences of its members, not the fertility rates of its parents. Many experts now believe it breaks down more or less this way:
DEMOGRAPHIC boom in babies: 1946-1964
Baby Boom GENERATION: 1942-1953
Generation Jones: 1954-1965
Generation X: 1966-1978
Generation Y: 1979 – 1993
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