In recent months, many people have been up in arms over the unlawful killing of black people in America. As more and more people air their opinions on social media, the discussion on race has continued to receive more attention than ever before.
Perhaps this can be attributed to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has people stuck at home and using social media more. Either way, one can only view this as a blessing in disguise with respect to the overall attention matters concerning race have been receiving.
Amidst all the videos, posts, and tweets of people chanting ‘black lives matter while others are countering with ‘all lives matter, a sensitive question has arisen amidst all the discussion- is affirmative action racist?
For those of you who aren’t aware, affirmative action refers to a set of laws and policies that ensures that minorities and marginalized groups, such as women and people of color, get the same opportunities as those who are privileged by the system.
While some may argue that this is akin to giving preferential treatment to certain races while ignoring other, ergo racism, most people recognize affirmative action as the societal equalizer that it was meant to be.
At a fundamental level, affirmative action is designed to be a set of policies that counters the effects of centuries of minorities being subjected to oppression and denial of rights by a system that was purposefully designed to keep them at a disadvantage.
How one can label affirmative action as reverse racism is mind-boggling.
It is not only offensive to the minorities that are finally getting a chance to better their lives, it is also a clear indicator of how far from grace we have fallen as a society. Feeling offended by a set of laws that are meant to better the lives of others is just a cowardly new form of denying others basic human rights.
Although it isn’t as obvious at it should be, access to resources should not be based on race. There shouldn’t be any racial privilege in the 21st century. Instead of feeling offended by and being against affirmative action, we should all look forward to the day when nobody will have to chant ‘black lives matter’ or be afraid of the laws that are supposed to protect them.
We should all concentrate on standing united against discrimination against minorities.
As Touré said when he found out that he was of mixed race, it shouldn’t matter what races you are or what ideologies you subscribe to. As long as you embrace your identities and strive to be a loving and productive member of the communities you associate with, you have done your part as a human being.
The journey towards equality begins with the realization and acceptance of the deeply-rooted problems we have with certain races being more privileged than others.
That is why it makes no sense that anyone would view affirmative action as a form of racism.
