In response to the Trump administration’s investigation aimed at universities’ use of affirmative action, many false statements about the policy have been spread around.
Not that these myths are anything new. U.S. affirmative action has been a hot button issue since its creation in the 1960s.
So, what’s the deal with affirmative action?
First things first, affirmative action isn’t one singular policy but an amalgamation of many policies that are practiced worldwide that differ from country to country. But in this article, we’ll be tackling some common misconceptions about affirmative action as it relates to the United States.
1. “We don’t need affirmative action anymore/racism is dead and gone”
The initial creation for affirmative action was to right some of the wrongs of racism in the past and combat the institution of racism built against minorities. Racism goes beyond burning crosses and Nazis. From extreme acts of police brutality to microaggressions in everyday life, racism is not “making a comeback,” it has been there all along. To deny the need for affirmative action on this basis is to deny the existence of a system that abuses minorities and has been instituted in America since the country’s creation.
2. “Affirmative action means gender/racial quotas”
The answer is a bit more complicated than that. While instituted racial quotas are not legal in the United States, recommended target goals that the employer does not necessarily have to follow, are perfectly legal and are used in some cases of affirmative action. However the constitutionality of this is still in heavy debate.
3. “People are going to be hired/accepted based on race instead of skill set”
Affirmative action does not act as a magical golden ticket for minorities to get the job/college acceptance without doing any of the work. Everyone must meet the qualifications needed for a job or must have the grades in order to be admitted.
4. “Affirmative action provides an unfair advantage for minorities”
Whether or not this truth is debatable, but what isn’t debatable is the fact that life is filled with unfair advantages. For example, a college student with his alum father who donated a library to the university has the upper hand over a student who does not have such a luxury. However, affirmative action provides an advantage to any otherwise disadvantaged student. In a country where even having a “black sounding name” can prevent you from getting hired, affirmative action is a godsend.
5. “Affirmative action is the only reason why minorities get hired/into college.”
I debated even dignifying this “myth” with a response. Let’s get one thing straight. This statement carries implications that minorities are not smart, capable, qualified, etc., enough to be chosen on their own merits. It’s at the very least, rude and racist.
6. “But doesn’t the creation of affirmative action also carry the implication that minorities can’t get in on their merits?”
Well, I’m glad you asked. While it is a matter of perspective, I do have to redirect to the entire reason affirmative action was created in the first place. It wasn’t created because “blacks are too stupid to get into college themselves,” but instead to try to curb the racial discrimination that was occurring during the hiring process. It’s created to even the playing field, not slant it.
7. “Affirmative action only helps minorities”
This is a pretty common misconception. First of all, affirmative action is not one single universal policy across the United States. It’s a hodge podge of various policies that differ from state to state. For example, many of these policies regarding colleges are economically, not racially based, that help students of all backgrounds a shot at going to a university/college that they otherwise couldn’t afford.
If you’re interested in learning more about affirmative action, I would recommend this CNN article that has a lot of fast facts.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock for the cover, Giphy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.