A word on discrimination
Recently, I've seen more and more people use the term "reverse discrimination" in situations where they feel that a member of society's majority is being somehow marginalized by one minority or another. There are a couple fallacies related to this idea, and I think its important we (especially members of the majority) recognize them before we ignorantly pontificate about the subject. I'll state the main point of this post right away: there can be no such thing as "reverse discrimination". This has probably already made more than a few of you indignant or extremely skeptical, but at least do me the courtesy of reading the rest.
Reverse racism is more than possible, its a reality that too few of the leaders in America's minority communities are afraid to recognize. Whether born from years of oppression or simply from general racial animosity, it doesn't take much heavy observation to note the exclusionary actions of several prominent minority communities in America. The burden for ending racism lies on both ends of the societal spectrum, and one side can't succeed without the acquiesence of the other.
However, the idea of reverse discrimination is in itself a major myth. The nature of discrimination itself implies that those on the high end of society's power structure are acting against the interest of those at the bottom. So thus, can we reverse this and really call it discrimination? Maybe class warfare or even fighting back would be more appropriate. Only the totally brainwashed or extremely naive would say that America's minorities aren't at an extreme disadvantage in terms of America's power structure. The glass cieling, despite considerable progress in the last forty years, is still alive and well.
Thus, we must ask whether an act of discrimination can really be committed by someone in the minority. There are maybe elements of discrimination present, such as intent or motivation, but overall, the definition of discrimination makes it impossible for there to be any kind of "reverse". Does this excuse malicious actions perpetrated upon the majority by the minority? Absolutely not, but in my experience, too many people in our societal majorities use "reverse discrimination" as a way to conveniently forget the inherent disadvantages associated with being a minority in America.
Taking on racism needs a committment from both sides of the equation, but combatting discrimination needs honesty from America's majorities. Why, in our supposedly pluralistic society, are over 90% of corporate and business managers white males? Why are Hispanics and African-Americans collected in under-funded schools, and why are they denied job interviews, rentals, or credit despite having the same credentials as caucasians who are approved under the exact same circumstances? Eqaully distressing, why are women still only making seventy-four cents to every dollar for men?
Combine these with the infinitely perpetuated stereotypes about lazy blacks on welfare, the inability of women to lead, or the "insurmountable" language barriers for non-english speakers, and what do we have? Quite simply, we have a majority making petty and fallacious claims of reverse discrimination, which we've established is something that, by definition, isn't even possible. Cries of reverse discrimination are likely the bitter (and perhaps unconscious) attempts of the majority to maintain the status quo when they feel threatened or irrationally marginalized.
The point? Racism is one thing, discrimination is quite another. Look at how you consider the subject, and examine the prejudices which you may harbor in one regard or another.
Reverse racism is more than possible, its a reality that too few of the leaders in America's minority communities are afraid to recognize. Whether born from years of oppression or simply from general racial animosity, it doesn't take much heavy observation to note the exclusionary actions of several prominent minority communities in America. The burden for ending racism lies on both ends of the societal spectrum, and one side can't succeed without the acquiesence of the other.
However, the idea of reverse discrimination is in itself a major myth. The nature of discrimination itself implies that those on the high end of society's power structure are acting against the interest of those at the bottom. So thus, can we reverse this and really call it discrimination? Maybe class warfare or even fighting back would be more appropriate. Only the totally brainwashed or extremely naive would say that America's minorities aren't at an extreme disadvantage in terms of America's power structure. The glass cieling, despite considerable progress in the last forty years, is still alive and well.
Thus, we must ask whether an act of discrimination can really be committed by someone in the minority. There are maybe elements of discrimination present, such as intent or motivation, but overall, the definition of discrimination makes it impossible for there to be any kind of "reverse". Does this excuse malicious actions perpetrated upon the majority by the minority? Absolutely not, but in my experience, too many people in our societal majorities use "reverse discrimination" as a way to conveniently forget the inherent disadvantages associated with being a minority in America.
Taking on racism needs a committment from both sides of the equation, but combatting discrimination needs honesty from America's majorities. Why, in our supposedly pluralistic society, are over 90% of corporate and business managers white males? Why are Hispanics and African-Americans collected in under-funded schools, and why are they denied job interviews, rentals, or credit despite having the same credentials as caucasians who are approved under the exact same circumstances? Eqaully distressing, why are women still only making seventy-four cents to every dollar for men?
Combine these with the infinitely perpetuated stereotypes about lazy blacks on welfare, the inability of women to lead, or the "insurmountable" language barriers for non-english speakers, and what do we have? Quite simply, we have a majority making petty and fallacious claims of reverse discrimination, which we've established is something that, by definition, isn't even possible. Cries of reverse discrimination are likely the bitter (and perhaps unconscious) attempts of the majority to maintain the status quo when they feel threatened or irrationally marginalized.
The point? Racism is one thing, discrimination is quite another. Look at how you consider the subject, and examine the prejudices which you may harbor in one regard or another.