(Untitled)

[socmot]

I've been meaning to try and stir up some debate in the community, so I hope this works.

Affirimative Action, while intended to combat racism and discrimination, is in itself racist and descrimanatory.

Dicuss.

Comments

[socmot]

I was thinking along the lines of the US or police recruitment in NI, not so much here. Just the concept in general.

Myself, I would also agree that it's not neutral, but is necessary, but someday I hope that people are judged on merit where merit is applicable and on equality with others, where that is applicable.

I suppose that reams and reams of literature has been written on both sides of the argument that debates whether affirmative action will help achieve that!

And by the way, that was a great post - do your country a favour - stay here and go into politics...you'd be great.

[mr_wombat]

Yes, but that doesn't make it bad since it does not directly cause anyone pain or suffering. It's a valid theory but I don't subscribe to it since I believe more in dealing with it through education and proper legislation to stop any discrimination at all.

[mr_wombat]

Except for the spanish, discriminate all you like there.

[sorenr]

"Affirmative action" will almost always be to my disadvantage (I am a white, middle-class male...), and yet I cannot help but find it a necessary tool in order to correct social and cultural problems in various societies.

In the above phrase I believe the key word is "tool"; affirmative action is not in itself a goal for any society, but merely a tool to be used for as long as it is necessary. Just as we would not even consider the inherent quality of, say, a hammer, but rather focus on the nail being where we desire it to be, so affirmative action should not really be discussed any differently from a discussion about whether a hammer or a screwdriver would be more practical for the job at hand.

To cut it short: Affirmative action should not be considered right or wrong, but rather suitable or unsuitable for the task of re-balancing our societies. I find it the best suited tool available to us at the time being.