Quote:
Originally Posted by wutamess
That's just it... AA kinda takes the racism slant out of hiring practices by forcing traditionally white establishments to diversify.
I know people think AA isn't right but how else would the playing field be level when (my figures) 90% of CEO's, directors, etc are probably the stereotypical white male who'd otherwise tend to hire their own?
I think AA is a way to level the playing field. It's not so bad that 1-2 black people (out of 100's of jobs being offered) get preferential treatment when their qualifications are just as good as the next man (no matter what color). But if their qualifications are inferior to the other man's then i'd have a problem with that as well.
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I can see how some people would have a positive view of Affirmative Action. However, I think the best practice is to hire the most qualified individual. Race shouldn't be a factor. Using race to select or disqualify an applicant is racist in and of itself. I know that there is a, "good ole boys" club as you stated, when it comes to CEO's and upper management. Getting admitted to this club has much more to do with social status and wealth than race. Also, as many of us already know, it's not what you know, it's who you know. Frankly, I think there are many ways one can improve employment opportunities in the African American community.
First off it starts with education. Many black and white inner city kids don't get a shot at a decent education. Inner city schools are filled with out dated textbooks, teachers who only work there as a last resort and drugs/violence. These children go to schools that resemble prisons. So what is the answer? It is quite complicated. More funding would go a long way, but these impoverished folks need to want to rid their communities of these negative elements and to improve overall themselves. It would do no good to pour millions of dollars to improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood and school system if people don't want to change.
Another problem facing too many children of all races, is being born into single parent households. Many men are failing to live up to their obligations (insert Travis Henry joke here) and are skiping out on their responsibilities for whatever reasons. Sometimes it is imprisionment, sometimes death, sometimes they just don't give a damn or want the responsibility. Studies show that kids who are the product of single parent households are more likely to be poor students. Kids will be more apt to act out and let their grades slip without their parents taking an interest in them and their school work. It is extemely difficult for single parents who have to work a full time job and raise children on their own.
Finally, I think role models play a huge part in one's success. Studies do show that black children are more likely to idolize sports figures and entertainers. While white children are more likely to idolize doctors, lawyers, and politicians. The problem of course lies in the fact that it is much easier to be a lawyer or doctor than it is to be the next Jay Z or Michael Jordan. Just my thoughts.