Hey Divines!
So, it seems as though a new occurrence in the political world has once again made a negative impact on a marginalized community.
On July 29th of this year, the Supreme Court overturned the longstanding law of affirmative action, implemented in the 1960's to create equal opportunities for Black Americans, and all other marginalized communities. Understandably, this is a cause for concern for many people, and it has sparked a huge discussion.
In the former portion of the development of affirmative action, its significance was established due to the discriminatory barriers affecting the black community in the United States. In other words, black people were sick and tired, of being sick and tired.
Though the cessation of slavery had been ratified over a century prior to this executive order - the humanization of black people in the U.S had barely been applied to the essence of society. Black Americans faced issues with fair treatment in the workforce, public services, and access to reputable schools. Following the Civil Rights Act in 1964, affirmative action became an executive order signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. Thus predicating equal opportunities on the basis of race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, and age (Britannica, 2023). In todays time, this looks like EEOC laws in job applications, or equal opportunity in college admissions.
Currently, the overturning of affirmative action is only altering college admission processes. However, many people are concerned that soon employers will be more apt to disregard EEOC laws during the hiring process. It is the opinion of many that ending affirmative action is a gravely mistaken decision, but there are plenty of people who deem it as a judiciary achievement.
Recently, the editor of National Review Journal, Ramesh Ponnuru, wrote an opinion piece in The Washington Post expressing agreement with the new change. In gist, he explains that the 14th Amendment is enough to cover any means of discriminatory acts. He writes that the Civil Rights Act "does not say that such discrimination may be allowed to rectify the effects of past discrimination, or to construct demographically representative student bodies, or to secure educational benefits from racial diversity. It flatly prohibits it" (Ponnuru, 2023). He concludes his entry with the sentiment that the reasoning behind the overturning may not be the best, but the decision to do so at all is just.
Here is what I think...
In theory, it would be the proper notion that the 14th Amendment completely prohibits discrimination in every way. However, there are many historical events following the 14th Amendment that make this argument null and void. Hence the reason a Civil Rights movement had to happen in the first place. It is not discrimination to make note that people of color are just as qualified, if not more than their counterparts - and not to overlook them solely because they are not white. If we lived in a society where the 14th Amendment "flatly prohibits" discrimination, affirmative action would have never been created.
I could delve deeper into what I mean, but I trust that those reading can use context clues - or maybe even talk to a black person in their proximity to understand what I mean. I think it is intellectually dishonest to count on semantics, and the "American Dream" to justify a change in policy like this. It is not surprising though, because it merely reinforces the placation of the suffering experienced by those whose bootstraps you will never have to pull up.
Ultimately, affirmative action was developed due to the tenacity and the struggle of black people in America. There are many notable people, even some in politics, that would not have gotten as far without it. Also, this does not just impact people that are black - it impacts everyone who is "other" in this country. For those who are in favor of it being taken away, make sure that when you look in the mirror - you see yourself the same way the world does. At some point, you will be treated accordingly.
I'd love to hear some responses! This is a new blog, so please feel free to make your voice known.
Be kind, be caring, be true. Talk to y'all soon!
- Ali
Published July 7th, 2023
Sources:
The Washington Post - Ramesh Ponnuru
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