Affirmative Action

Growing up in Puerto Rico, racism was not something I was brought up to seriously thinking about; I was not told or brought up to have preconceived notions about anyone who was different. But viewing a vandalized bulletin board, (when I moved to USA) filled with racist comments made the issue more of a reality for me, not just something I'd read about in textbooks and newspapers. Now looking back, I can see how I may have been subjected to sexism in a slight way, even in my own country. Affirmative action was never designed to relieve poverty; however, the opportunity for professional advancement undeniably provides a better life style for minorities and women. Despite the positive results of 30 years of affirmative action, it is still under attack by whites and even by blacks and other minorities--those who would benefit the most from it, wants to abolish it. It might need some tweaking or transformation, but abolishment is not the answer. Some have suggested the program should shift to a class-based program, but classes and race are already engraved in this society--I don't think we can separate that. Though we would all like to think that America no longer needs affirmative action; there are at least three reasons that this well-meaning program should remain public policy. The first reason that affirmative action should remain a policy in this country is racism. Though many white Americans embrace the progress of minorities and women, many still hold on the old "Jim Crow" ideologies. One example of racism is the blatant recruitment practices by extremist groups such as the "Skin-heads" and the old "Ku Klux Klan". These organized racist groups are using new technology (The Internet) and some of the old tactics (rallies and terrorism) to pollute the minds of the American youth. Another example of racism is of the covert variety. This variety uses demographics to screen potential employees.