Posted on Nov 5, 2017
The Uncomfortable Truth About Affirmative Action and Asian-Americans
4.7K
20
17
2
2
0
Affirmative action seems to be a popular target for certain people recently. Truth bomb: white people, especially white women, benefit the most from it.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Affirmative Action and Asian-Americans
Posted from newyorker.com
Diversity
Education
Ethnicity
Racism
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 4
2
2
0
Has Affirmative Action delivered any measurable benefit to those it was intended to help? I've heard contrary evidence supporting every opposition position. I wish there was someone I could trust to deliver the facts. Sadly, the New Yorker isn't it. Yes, I am certain that, once upon a time, "whites" enjoyed an unearned advantage by virtue of their race. I don't see any evidence of that today. Sadly, the failure and drop out rate among blacks tends to support the case that Affirmative Action has pushed them into educational opportunities and jobs for which they weren't prepared, but I'm not yet convinced that is the total story. Asians have suffered because, culturally, they are pushed hard by their families to achieve when in elementary, intermediate, and high schools, and some slack off when they escape to distant college campuses. At least, that's the evidence of my experience (which is, admittedly, anecdotal). No, I don't have the answers and the issue is too politically charged for the truth to escape into the light of honest debate. Sad.
(2)
(0)
SSG Jessica Bautista
Well, holy cow, color me surprised. I'd say you're absolutely right on most parts. I think the disparity begins at birth and is guided by environment, but it's only one theory of many. Asians, I feel, have it the easiest out of all minorities. I had read an article about how the goal of personal conflict in Asian culture was to avoid it at all cost, lending us the stereotype as the "good minorities". It makes sense if one considers common preconceptions of Asian culture.
From personal experience, I can honestly say that Asians value excellence over individuality. It goes back to culture again. Compared to American culture, it's much more centered on groups and social heirarchy. Ask an American something about themselves, and they'll tell you about themselves. Ask an Asian, and they'll tell you about their position in society. I'm sure I'm not explaining this well, so I'll probably need to follow up on this.
For the record, my family starts preparing kids for college the second we can hold our own heads up. True story.
From personal experience, I can honestly say that Asians value excellence over individuality. It goes back to culture again. Compared to American culture, it's much more centered on groups and social heirarchy. Ask an American something about themselves, and they'll tell you about themselves. Ask an Asian, and they'll tell you about their position in society. I'm sure I'm not explaining this well, so I'll probably need to follow up on this.
For the record, my family starts preparing kids for college the second we can hold our own heads up. True story.
(2)
(0)
CPT Jack Durish
SSG Jessica Bautista - I understand, however I am an American in the classic sense valuing the individual above all else. I grew up on Westerns celebrating the rugged individualist. I learn for the pure joy of it. Still, I can understand and appreciate other modes of being and respect everyone's right to them.
(2)
(0)
SGM Erik Marquez
CPT Jack Durish Stated "Yes, I am certain that, once upon a time, "whites" enjoyed an unearned advantage by virtue of their race. I don't see any evidence of that today. "
and
PO1 Henry Jackson - stated " You MUST be blind!!! Drop out rates, must be getting your info from Fox News."|
Which of course is just an unsubstantiated opinion, valid as opinions go, but not really helpful in a discussion .
So please PO1 Henry Jackson you have made you opinion clear, thank you for sharing.....care to support it with more then feelings?
What are your data sources that support your opinion that Dropout rates in our collages, universities and other programs where affirmative action is present, are not higher with those benefiting from placement advantages?
Please site your sources that support your position that "whites" enjoy an unearned advantage by virtue of their race." today... as you imply they do in your comments.
and
PO1 Henry Jackson - stated " You MUST be blind!!! Drop out rates, must be getting your info from Fox News."|
Which of course is just an unsubstantiated opinion, valid as opinions go, but not really helpful in a discussion .
So please PO1 Henry Jackson you have made you opinion clear, thank you for sharing.....care to support it with more then feelings?
What are your data sources that support your opinion that Dropout rates in our collages, universities and other programs where affirmative action is present, are not higher with those benefiting from placement advantages?
Please site your sources that support your position that "whites" enjoy an unearned advantage by virtue of their race." today... as you imply they do in your comments.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
My kids were told to mark their admissions papers "white' instead of Asian when applying to college.
Racism has many forms
Racism has many forms
(1)
(0)
Suspended Profile
If -anyone- benefits from it over others, and it seems just about everyone agrees it's bad...
Why is this still an approved practice? At all? If -equality- is the goal, why do we still condone giving -anyone- an advantage simply because of ethnicity?
Why is this still an approved practice? At all? If -equality- is the goal, why do we still condone giving -anyone- an advantage simply because of ethnicity?
SSG Jessica Bautista
There's a long drawn-out explanation on culture, race perception, the way the tests are written, etc. Even the way we interpret these posts are different based on our own experiences. We know one race isn't inherently more intelligent than the other, so what else would explain it?
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
You can't have it both ways. We're all equal, or we need special treatment for some.
Obviously, pasts differ- but It's pretty ridiculous to say that your ethnicity determines your past.
Obviously, pasts differ- but It's pretty ridiculous to say that your ethnicity determines your past.
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google