Endless racism

[swagner]

It's 10:00 AM. I have just completed my Criminal Law class, and am walking down the hallway to go have some lunch in downtown New Haven. However, before I reach the end of the hallway, I notice a poster on the exit door. The poster contains a picture of an african-american businessman smiling, holding a diploma in his right hand. The caption on the top of the photograph read, "Looking for a summer internship? The Office of the Public Defender is recruiting."

In New Haven, a law student can practice law (and a medical student can practice medicine, a dental student can practice dentistry, etc.) after they have completed a certain number of units and are under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney (or a physician or dentist in the case of MD's and DDS's). This is how we all get experience before we are let go into the real world. It's a neat system, as seems to help everyone (Don't we all need low/no cost lawyers, doctors, and dentists?)

Anyway, this internship appeared to be very interesting. I started writing down all of the necessary contact info, which included a minimum GPA, courses completed, and of course, law school enrollment. Finding that I was well qualified, I began to file the paper with the information I wrote down in my briefcase and then I noticed one last thing at the bottom of the poster: "Asian-American, Hispanic-American, African-American, and Native American applicants only". This may as well be written "If you are white, you are not welcome here."

Racism in any form is intolerable. I feel both disgusted and degraded that the law school (and our society as a whole, for that matter) still promotes such a policy. In a misguided attempt to "make up" for racism in the past, our government and public have instituted a new system of racism. That is, "instead of not liking the person of color, we now don't like the white person". Sound a little off the mark? Hardly. Affirmative Action and racial preference programs are still in effect today. Such programs further undermine academia, industry, and this very country by granting unwarranted consideration of minorities simply based upon skin color. While certain programs do take into account other factors, such as financial hardships, the fact is that the color of your skin still does matter with respect to jobs and school admissions. Why do you think this is so?

Overall, what I am getting at here is that two wrongs don't make a right. It is wrong to give any sort of benefit or detrement to a human being because his skin is a certain color. We all should have to earn our success, not have it handed to us. Until such treatment/programs involding racial preference end, unity can never be achieved.

What do you think?

Note: A fellow J.D. student commented that such programs increase "diversity" in an academic/industrial environment. However, I ask, do the means justify the end? I fail to see the benefit of a "diverse" environment if not everyone in attendence actually earned their way in. I am fully supportive of anyone who wishes to find employment or receive a higher education, but one must earn things in life.

Furthermore, such programs directly imply that minorites cannot "cut it" on their own. I asked my girlfriend (a hispanic engineer) about this, and she agrees. Racially geared preference of minorities undermines the professional merit of minority students and employees.

[PandaMoOo]

As a white person, I agree with you on all bases. Stuff like this is a horrible political hot potato... both sides of the fence have strong irrational passions both ways!

[that-one-guy]

Originally Posted by PandaMoOo

As a white person, I agree with you on all bases. Stuff like this is a horrible political hot potato... both sides of the fence have strong irrational passions both ways!

bwahahahahahah. I cant believe you guys are having this conversation.

[Steven]

Originally Posted by swagner

Anyway, this internship appeared to be very interesting. I started writing down all of the necessary contact info, which included a minimum GPA, courses completed, and of course, law school enrollment. Finding that I was well qualified, I began to file the paper with the information I wrote down in my briefcase and then I noticed one last thing at the bottom of the poster: "Asian-American, Hispanic-American, African-American, and Native American applicants only". This may as well be written "If you are white, you are not welcome here."

I wonder if they would allow a white person from Asia or Africa to join. Whether they would or not might determine whether they are looking for diversity in skin colors or diversity in culture.

[Admin]

Originally Posted by that-one-guy

bwahahahahahah. I cant believe you guys are having this conversation.

What is wrong with it? I appreciate swagner sharing his opinion and giving us a new perspective. Not all of us know what is going on when it comes down to discrimination in the work/school field.

[scannergeek]

They call this "reverse-discrimination".

A white police officer sued his department when he was passed up for promotion in favor of a lesser-qualified black officer. The white officer sued for "reverse-discrimination"...an d WON.

[scannergeek]

You know swagner, you could say that you're african-american, then put black shoe polish on your face like Gene Wilder did in the movie "Silver Streak".

[Admin]

Originally Posted by scannergeek

They call this "reverse-discrimination".

A white police officer sued his department when he was passed up for promotion in favor of a lesser-qualified black officer. The white officer sued for "reverse-discrimination"...an d WON.

Would reverse discrimination apply to swagner's case, even if he had not applied to the internship program?
If yes, swagner should file a lawsuit against the Office of the Public Defender. A good start to accumulate a real world experience.

[scannergeek]

I think you would have to apply and be turned down on account of your race.

[swagner]

Originally Posted by iKwak

Would reverse discrimination apply to swagner's case, even if he had not applied to the internship program?
If yes, swagner should file a lawsuit against the Office of the Public Defender. A good start to accumulate a real world experience.

I never did like the term "reverse discrimination"; Such wording implies that discrimination can only be done to a minority group. The fact that I am not eligible for this internship is discriminatory, plain and simple. There is nothing "reverse" about it.

[that-one-guy]

Originally Posted by swagner

I never did like the term "reverse discrimination"; Such wording implies that discrimination can only be done to a minority group. The fact that I am not eligible for this internship is discriminatory, plain and simple. There is nothing "reverse" about it.

No I mean this program isnt designed for white people like it said. Its not being racist. You would think that its unfair, but believe me there are a lot of minorities that need programs like this. Whites do not have it equally as bad.

[m15rules]

I agree with you 100%. My descent is European (Spanish), but once they see European they think the person is white, while I am mixed. I know a lot of people who argue in favor of affirmative action, but yet I see very few results. Asian Americans are minorities, but yet they are not entitled to affirmative action benefits, especially when it comes to college. That's unfair. People of Asian descent are threated as minorities in the world, but they don't qualify for affirmative action? It's a political agenda both parties are trying to play. People should be rewarded by their actions and accomplishments and not by their race.

[zoedragon]

I tried to play the race card when applying to colleges by exploiting my asian half. Didn't help me a single bit. While I was peeved a bit, I can see why the affirmative action folks would overlook asians. I think most asian cultures in general place more emphasis on education. I have no numbers to back it up, but I think asians as a whole tend to get better grades than other minorities simply because there's more pressure from parents to do well. My good friend, who is a high school teacher in southern San Diego, says that a lot of her hispanic students get no support from their parents. Some even pull their kids out of class to take care of siblings or work.

I'm a bit on the fence about affirmative action... lots of smart students, because of their circumstances, are not given a chance to succeed. I think these people deserve an extra boost that they might not need had their circumstances been different. HOWEVER something as broad as using race to determine eligibility is very superficial and unfair. I think special consideration should be given to those with cirumstances that require it, no matter what your skin color.

Affirmative action does do some positive things, and was probably more appropriate back in the days when it was conceived. However we as a society have come a long way in looking at each other as equals. Affirmative action is a bit outdated now, I think they should either revise it or get rid of it.

[swagner]

Originally Posted by that-one-guy

No I mean this program isnt designed for white people like it said. Its not being racist. You would think that its unfair, but believe me there are a lot of minorities that need programs like this. Whites do not have it equally as bad.

Your type of racism is one of the reasons that I chose to go to law school; let me put this into context to help you better understand. Review the following hypotetical situation:

Lets say you wish to apply to CPP. You did very well in high school, making both the honor's program and varsity sports teams. You are more qualified than the average applicant to CPP. However, you find that Cal Poly Pomona only accepts white students. Using your argument, I can define CPP as being "designed" for white people only, and that you should simply "understand". How would you feel then?

Please review your very comment;
1.) "No I mean this program isnt designed for white people "
THEN
2.) "Its not being racist"

-Are you kidding? That is the definitition of racism. Your argument about the "need" fails at every level: "a lot of minorities that need programs like this". Anybody *needs* a college education, regardless of skin color. Your statement dooes several things :
1.) Implies that minorities can't cut it academically on their own
2.) Implies a need based upon no fact
3.) Directly states that racism is "okay" when minorites perform it, but not when whites perform it. Racism is never okay. Your type of logic is the reason that slaves were held in the south years ago; its the reason that blacks were not allowed into "white" schools in the past; and finally, it's the reason minorities will never achieve equality through their programs based upon racist, false, and opportunistic "need". Think about it.

[tweetyhack]

Oh shut up, all of you. So what if you got discrimination here. Whites are equally discriminated in Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc. It just even things out. Equalibrium. As for me, I discriminate against everybody and everybody discriminates against me. Again. Equalibrium.

Actually, minorities are exactly what the word implies. Minorities. I really don't see that much around where I work. Why is that? If they are hard working, educated, etc..they should have good jobs right? Not really. It's still difficult for minorities to get jobs even with the education and all. So to all the whiteheads out there, don't worry about the edumacation. You'll still come out ahead. Can somebody find some statistics? It's 5 and I need my beauty sleep.

Here's the minority perspective: I'm less forturnate. Give me some help. That scholarship sure would help me out. Oh yeah, don't forget about the time you enslaved my father, raped my mother, locked up my sister in the interment camp, etc. Oh, we never forget.

Here's the white perspective: Man, look at those minorities gettin everything. When's it my turn? I deserve some money too. I just as smart. Just as hard working. But I gets Nada. PorQue NO?? As thir resentment grows, the cycle begins anew.

I guess its the same way everybody treats bums, white and minorities. They just need some help getting back on their feet(some of them anyway. Can't say so for all). Speaking of bums, I saw two of the on top of each other on the street. I yelled at them to knock it off and they turned around and looked at me. That's when I realized, hobosexuals.

As for that poster, it's to offer the minority some hope of success. Not that you don't need it too but whose in need of it more. It comes down to who needs it more. Abused spouses. Should advertisment to help them be broadcast on Playboy channel or Ophra? Are there more abused women or men and who do we focus our limited resources in helping and doing the most good?

[Steven]

Originally Posted by tweetyhack

Oh shut up, all of you. So what if you got discrimination here. Whites are equally discriminated in Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc. It just even things out. Equalibrium. As for me, I discriminate against everybody and everybody discriminates against me. Again. Equalibrium.

How does equilibrium equate to being good? When two groups of people kill each other, both sides gain an equal amount of death. But that does not mean that killing is good.

[swagner]

Oh yeah, don't forget about the time you enslaved my father, raped my mother, locked up my sister in the interment camp, etc. Oh, we never forget.

This has got to be one of the most pathetic arguments that I have ever heard in reference to discrimination. So many minorites speak about past injustice like they themselves deserve anything - did *I* enslave your father? Are *you* a slave? Heck, did my father enslave your father? What about my father's father? Give me a break. It's time for minorites to earn their way in the world just like everyone else, instead of copping out on their skin color.

[swagner]

Originally Posted by tweetyhack

[i] Oh yeah, don't forget about the time you enslaved my father, raped my mother, locked up my sister in the interment camp, etc. Oh, we never forget.

This has got to be one of the most pathetic arguments that I have ever heard in reference to discrimination. So many minorites speak about past injustice like they themselves deserve anything - did *I* enslave your father? Are *you* a slave? Heck, did my father enslave your father? What about my father's father? Give me a break. It's time for minorities to earn their way in the world just like everyone else, instead of copping out on their skin color.

Originally Posted by tweetyhack

Abused spouses. Should advertisment to help them be broadcast on Playboy channel or Ophra? Are there more abused women or men and who do we focus our limited resources in helping and doing the most good?

As for your argument here, I ask that you review your incorrect logic. You compare minority "need" to the need of abused women. There is a fundamental difference here, however. An abused woman *is* abused; that is, the negative act that she has experienced actually exists. However, in the case of minorities, they may not be in need of any help at all. I know several minority doctors, lawyers, and enigneers. Do you see what I am getting at here? You try to equate an actual need of an abused woman to the supposed possible need by a minority. It is inherently incorrect.

[JPWRana]

i exploited my latin heritage... AND IT WORKED!! for 3 years i got a scholarship!!!!

Hey, everyone works what they have:

Minorities by their ethnic background
Women by their good bodies, face, tits, and ass.
Men: by their charm, height, charisma.

It sux for swanger... but whites usually have a MUCH HIGHER rate of getting in to anything. I've been stopped by the cops in "driver license checks" and that pisses me off... so i just see that as society paying me back for their continued stupid antics to deport us back or to take out money from us.

[Steven]

Originally Posted by JPWRana

i exploited my latin heritage... AND IT WORKED!! for 3 years i got a scholarship!!!!

Hey, everyone works what they have:

Minorities by their ethnic background
Women by their good bodies, face, tits, and ass.
Men: by their charm, height, charisma.

It sux for swanger... but whites usually have a MUCH HIGHER rate of getting in to anything. I've been stopped by the cops in "driver license checks" and that pisses me off... so i just see that as society paying me back for their continued stupid antics to deport us back or to take out money from us.

What country are you a citizen of?