Why I don't support affirmative action

@ Jane- My parents are what you would call "white" and when they arrived in this country they had no one. The color of their skin did not help them in any way. My father walked around looking for work the day he arrived and was turned away due to his accent the minute he opened his mouth but he found a way to get work and is not always looking back to those days and blaming Americans for discriminating his accent.

I think in many ways white people do have it harder because as you even mentioned yourself, when you see white skin you assume wealth and opportunity, when in fact the "white person" could be here with an accent and no relatives. My father's accent is more difficult for American's to understand than most dark skinned people with accents, and most people in this country seem to assume that "white people" are all American's who "know people" and have more opportunity and are not really open minded to the variables.

"Also, there are plenty of White people who have it harder than I do and could use a little extra help if they want it. "

Maybe because you were born in a wealthy white-American home you didn't have any problem getting around. You didin't have problems looking for a job because you know so many people who were Americans. You didn't struggle with language barrier so you had no problem communicating. However, as first generation Asian-American, my family struggled to find equality in this country.. My mother was rejected many times becausde of her poor English. My father was turned down because he talked with an accent. But you don't know how it feels because you never walked in my shoes.

Granted, we have our own oppinions. But to say such a thing as white people have it harder is quite an ignorant statment. Sorry if i'm not here to join your little fan club that praises you like bunch of minions. I think once in a whlie you should stand in the angle of Asian-Americans whose language aint English see how that feels.

Great Hub. I admire you very much and agree with you completely.

Affirmative Action is legallized discrimination against white males. If all of women are considered to be minorities because of the feminist movement and every race but caucasian (White European) is a minority who does that leave? That would be white males, someone is definately bent on the extermination of caucasians who have less access to money or the means for survival and everything that's politically correct is skewed towards that end. If someone is truly "diverse" and truly cares about "equality" and knows the actual definition instead of a mere buzzword they would agree with me. Those who believe in Affirmative Action generally just want a paycheck and are hypocrites who could give a damn about true equality. They only care about their own personal interests and the interests of their own race.

Awesome hub - I completely agree. Perhaps there was once a time for affirmative action, but now it is simply a form of racism. And, as you mentioned, just being admitted somewhere won't solve the issue. Also, thanks for having the guts to speak out on a controversial issue! MU

Soooooo Right on!

At some point we have to wake up in this country and realize that if we want people to stop considering race we must stop considering race.

In my experience (in a state HR office that hires thousands) Affirmative Action hurts many and helps very few. The Blacks and Latinos helped by Affirmative Action tend to be from the middle class who least need the help. The Whites and Asians (and yes, the same massive “quota” discrimination that exists within college admissions against Asians is permeated through out the hiring world. I can’t tell you how many hiring managers have told me, when filing a position, “we can’t hire another Asian”) who are hurt by Affirmative Action tend to be from poor back grounds. Simply put: Affirmative Action breads racism and resentment: No body likes to be told they did not get the job because they were not the right color.

We need to become what America was meant to be: a complete meritocracy. Really, in the ever increasing competition of the Global market place, we can afford to do nothing less.

I feel that some minorities victimize themselves. My husband is asian and he does not vicitimize himself. I have a half brother who is black and white. The teachers at his school hooked him up with a free scholarship just because he is part "African American." I tried being liberal but at this rate, all this is petty crap. Discrimination happens to everyone, not just minorities. Go to New York and go check out different neighborhoods. You will see real fast how that does not matter what you are some people are just plain mean people are in general. White people are discriminated to. Some minorities hate white people. I never thought I live to be discriminated but I was. I apply for a chinese restrurant job, and I got turned down because I was not chinese or indonesian. And because I had papers. They wanted someone with no papers and no knowledge of the law. They assume because I am white I will sue them. With what money will I sue them when I am searching for a job? Omgosh...

So yeah there you go...

I am strongly against affirmative action. I understand the broader concept of it, but it is unfair that certain students with lower credentials are getting a better chance than legitimate students with higher credentials. I understand the need for diversity but these kinds of dealing with race in an educational environment is uncalled for. In a way, it even encourages the prejudices we hold against certain races.

Interesting point of view. I'm an Anthropology graduate student, and in our department there is a very high interest in keeping the student body diverse.