Roughly 25 years ago I wrote a college paper on affirmative action. I’d gone into it with naive assumptions based on popular beliefs in the red state I lived. While researching the topic, it became clear to me that the preference for legacy applicants ( in some schools there was a legacy quota!) was affirmative action for the privileged. I was surprised at how shocking a revelation this was for me and how little other people seemed to view it this way - or really, even think about it. I did get an A+ on that paper and my heart started beating a little blue’er 💙🗳️🇺🇸💙
Wow, Laura, you learned this truth a lot earlier than I did! What you expressed here is crucial: you approached this topic with an open mind, learned from the facts presented in your research and formed an opinion that apparently was contrary to many others in your area. Your story shows the power of critical thinking, I believe. Thank you for sharing your story here.
Thanks for the comment, Chris—and I'm glad you got the opportunity to see and hear her talk—and I thought it was more of a talk than a speech. She sure can inspire!
Yes. And, being a tall white man helps tremendously as well, as such a combination will always get the plum job and high pay over someone more qualified, even more educated. White. Male. Always. Height is an extra bonus.
Yes, it sure does, Jan! One of my bosses when I was just starting out as an attorney, was tall, good looking and graying young. He was/ is both smart and an excellent lawyer, but he commanded immediate respect, I believe , just by walking into a room- I could never compete with that!
Roughly 25 years ago I wrote a college paper on affirmative action. I’d gone into it with naive assumptions based on popular beliefs in the red state I lived. While researching the topic, it became clear to me that the preference for legacy applicants ( in some schools there was a legacy quota!) was affirmative action for the privileged. I was surprised at how shocking a revelation this was for me and how little other people seemed to view it this way - or really, even think about it. I did get an A+ on that paper and my heart started beating a little blue’er 💙🗳️🇺🇸💙
Wow, Laura, you learned this truth a lot earlier than I did! What you expressed here is crucial: you approached this topic with an open mind, learned from the facts presented in your research and formed an opinion that apparently was contrary to many others in your area. Your story shows the power of critical thinking, I believe. Thank you for sharing your story here.
Thanks for the restack! I also grew up with the expectation I would go to college, as did my sister who is 12 years older than I—and that does help!
I had not made the opportunity to see Michelle Obama’s speech until just now.
God, I love her to tears. She powerfully synthesizes the best hope and love for mankind that America can be.
Thanks for the comment, Chris—and I'm glad you got the opportunity to see and hear her talk—and I thought it was more of a talk than a speech. She sure can inspire!
Yes. And, being a tall white man helps tremendously as well, as such a combination will always get the plum job and high pay over someone more qualified, even more educated. White. Male. Always. Height is an extra bonus.
Yes, it sure does, Jan! One of my bosses when I was just starting out as an attorney, was tall, good looking and graying young. He was/ is both smart and an excellent lawyer, but he commanded immediate respect, I believe , just by walking into a room- I could never compete with that!