Affirmative Action: A Step Toward Racial Equity, Not Racism

The claim that Democrats support affirmative action out of a lack of understanding is a flat-out fallacy. It's important to break down the true intent behind affirmative action and its role in promoting equity and diversity within our society.

Understanding Affirmative Action

Democrats, by supporting affirmative action, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the complex and interwoven issues of race and equality in America. They understand that the legacies of legal and social discrimination cannot be overcome with simply legal equality, but through systemic changes that ensure equal opportunities for all.

Historical Context

In the 'good old days', the landscape of American society was starkly divided along racial lines. People of color faced systemic barriers that limited their access to education, employment, housing, and public spaces. This exclusion was not just social; it was legal as well. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act were groundbreaking in their efforts to end legal discrimination, but the fight for true equality is far from over.

Challenges Post-Civil Rights

Even after legal equality was achieved, racists found new ways to maintain segregation and discrimination. They used subtle means like hiring discriminatory practices and limiting opportunities in educational and professional settings. This social discrimination was insidious and enduring, denying racial minorities access to the full range of opportunities enjoyed by others.

Affirmative Action as a Progressive Measure

Affirmative action was designed to combat this social discrimination head-on. By intentionally prioritizing underrepresented groups in hiring, university admissions, and other selection processes, affirmative action aims to correct historical imbalances and ensure a more representative and diverse society. It is not about overcompensating for past wrongs; it is about creating a level playing field for all, regardless of their background.

Real-Life Impact

The impact of affirmative action is palpable. Let’s consider a specific example. In the 'good old days', it was virtually impossible to find a black teacher in many public schools, let alone in leadership roles like police chiefs, governors, or military leadership. This mirrors the broader issue of underrepresentation in various sectors of society. Affirmative action has played a crucial role in integrating these traditionally white-dominated fields.

A fascinating case in point is my own experience. Until the tenth grade, every English literature teacher in my school was white. It wasn’t until I was introduced to a brilliant black English literature teacher, Mrs. Wright, that the beauty of Shakespeare’s sonnets came alive for me. Without affirmative action, Mrs. Wright would have been relegated to a low-paying job or domestic work, and I might have missed out on the profound impact she made on my education. Her appointment was a victory against the racists and a testament to the success of affirmative action.

Loudest Opponents: Racists and Their Allies

The party that has consistently received less than 10% of the black vote in every presidential election for the last 60 years is deeply entrenched in rhetoric and policies that perpetuate racial divisions. Their opposition to affirmative action is not rooted in genuine concern for fairness but in a desire to maintain the status quo of racial segregation and inequality. The loudest critics of affirmative action are often found to be either directly racist or closely allied with racist ideologies. This is precisely why the support for affirmative action from progressive groups is so critical; it counters these dangerous narratives and promotes a unified, equitable society.

In conclusion, affirmative action is not a sign of Democratic support for racism; it is a necessary and effective tool in the ongoing fight for racial equity and social justice. It is a concrete step toward dismantling the systemic barriers that have long limited the opportunities for underrepresented groups in American society.