---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 1995 12:01:15 -0800
From: Anthony Wilbon <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list IABS-L <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re[2]: affirmative action
 
I've been 'lurking' on this list for quite a while myself and have
tried to stay out of most discussions because of my lack of
expertise in IABS. However, on this topic I felt I had to respond.  I agree
with some of the comments that affirmative action has been wrongly
used by politicians as a scapegoat for the problems in this country.
 
 
In my opinion the program's purpose was to do just as it says.  That
is, require employers to 'act affirmatively' when making hiring decisions to
provide equal opportunity in the hiring process. In other words, if there are
three candidates with "equal  qualifications," one white male, one female, and
one African American for example, the employer should ensure that they make a
concerted effort to carefully weigh all candidates and put aside all biases to
ensure that the process is fair and equal.  Obviously to do this one must
evaluate the cultural, gender, and racial makeup of the organizational
environment in addition to qualifications and make their decision accordingly.
If an organization is publicly traded or receives funding through government
contracts they should be required to comply with this policy to ensure the
employers population reflects the general population.
 
Among other things, I believe the program was meant to deal with our
human impulse to want to surround ourselves with people who are more
like us.  Since white males, in the past and today, are more likely to do the
hiring in most employment settings in this country, there was a tendency by them
to select other white males only.  Affirmative action's intent was to minimize
that instinctive behavior.
 
As an African-American male, I have felt the anger expressed by white
males and consider it an emotional response based on complete lack of
knowledge  Nevertheless, this discourse is expected in difficult economic times
as people search for reasons why they can't find jobs. I have also dealt with
the stigma that overshadows all of my academic and professional accomplishments
because it's assumed by whites, that my achievements are due only to "quotas" (a
term used incorrectly as a synonym for affirmative action).  On the other hand,
I am not arrogant enough to think that just because I have equal or better
qualifications than my white colleagues that I would have still reached this
level of success without affirmative action.  Because of politicians, much of
the anger has been directed at African Americans, but the fact is white women
have probably benefited just as much or more from the program. Subsequently,
considering the growth in two-income homes, white males have benefited as well.
 
Just to sum this up.  Do I think the affirmative action program should be
abolished?  NO.  Should it be reviewed for possible modifications and changes?
I think all programs need to be carefully reengineered as time goes on to
reflect the changes in the environment.  For example, maybe a small privately
held business like the Chinese restaurant should be allowed to hire who they
please without Government intervening in their business.
 
Finally, I hope the academic community is not exacerbating this discourse by
allowing students to continue repeating the misleading, pejorative rhetoric
used by politicians to win the vote of the majority population.  I get the
feeling that most of the classes where these discussions take place are
predominately white and the views of people of color are probably not
represented.
 
I hope I didn't ramble on too much.
 
Tony
 
 
 
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Tony Wilbon
PhD Candidate, Management of Science, Technology, & Innovation
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
 
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