Affirmative Action

Well, I was doing a bit of reading so that I could write about my opinion of affirmative action, and I found an article that articulates far better than I ever can, most of my opinions. George F. Will gives his reaction to the Michigan ruling in this article. Agree or disagree with him, he is among the most intellectual sounding (and looking!) people I’ve seen.

To provide a bit of my own content… I don’t believe that the color of someone’s skin (which seems to be the big criteria) is a reasonable way to build diversity. Diversity is only effective among people with different ideas. In my experience, economic, religious, cultural (not racial) and geographical differences have made much larger differences wrt diversity.

I’m not sure who originally made this point:
Affirmative action was originally meant as a way for african americans (or blacks, I’m not sure which, as they are different groups) to be integrated into society after the abolition of slavery. The newer reason is that it increases diversity on campuses. This makes for a better learning environment, apparently (I won’t argue against that point). The problem with this reasoning is that it suggests that the minority acceptees are not there for the learning experience as they are to provide white students with a diverse education. I’m not sure that this is their intent, but I think that the concept does have some merit. Food for thought.

Maybe George F. Will and Matt Kriebel are the only people who agree with me on this one… but I think everyone can agree with me that the movie “Batman and Robin” is among the wost written and acted ever. I even feel bad for Arnold.

I’m curious as to what other people think about this issue.