Affirmative action was enacted to amend past injustices experienced by various groups. While the system may not be perfect, postmodern American society has hardly demonstrated its ability to be blind to differences such as race, ethnicity, age, gender and sexual orientation. While Fabio Albertin ("Affirmative action is misguided," Letters, April 22) seems to think that such differences no longer matter in our society, he fails to understand the immense advantage it is to be white and male in the United States. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that some government agencies, educational institutions and employers still discriminate. These injustices are constantly reflected in the racial, ethnic and gender "jokes" that many individuals find funny.
While it is important to ensure that posts are awarded to qualified individuals, it is necessary to remember that many American institutions are set up so that some groups are denied the opportunities to become "qualified." Since most school districts are funded through local property taxes, many inner city public schools lack sufficient funds to hire teachers, provide equipment and even repair dilapidated buildings.
Students forced to attend poor schools, many without art, music and athletic programs, have a more difficult time getting into college. Furthermore, many low-income students, regardless of background, often work part-time or full-time during the school year to raise money for necessities.
Education is only one source of injustice in the United States. Discrimination also influences housing, employment, and even decisions regarding where to place polluting industries and toxic waste dumps. Until such disgraceful practices end, I will not accept that America has truly established equality of opportunity. Affirmative action not only stands as a reminder of what we still must accomplish, but it also provides hope to many who have not benefited from the opportunities that many of us have enjoyed.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
