We are all equal again, right?

[hollodero]

(06-30-2023, 04:27 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: Define temporarily.  That's going to be your biggest sticking point.

Yeah, that is the tricky part. It's probably a political question - eg what society feels is right - rather than one that can be clearly determined by socioeconomic data points.
It's just, as of now I see strong indications that being black still means a distinct disadvantage, and as long as it's as distinct as it seems to be now, I see a decent point for affirmative action. And the time to get rid of it is when it's less distinct, when the effects of generation-long wealth accumulation that was not possible for most black people are further diminished. To what point, I dare not say. I am aware this is not a satisfactory answer. I just don't think affirmative action is something to be avoided in principle under any circumstances, while it's also not a fix made for eternity.

(06-30-2023, 04:27 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: That doesn't matter to the dirt poor white kid who is denied opportunity based solely on the color of their skin.

That is definitely true and I am very well aware of that. It's unfair to that kid. But at times (maybe not in this case, sure) a greater good for many or say a society outweighs the grievances of the few. I know star trek taught me differently, but it's how I feel.

(06-30-2023, 04:27 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: I'll address both your and Mickey's question in this regard here.  Obviously this is a minefield of a topic to navigate, especially for those inclined to view thigs as negatively as possible.  I have had this discussion with several black friends, all with college degrees.  Their general consensus has been that being educated is seen by many as trying to be white, and consequently education is not viewed as desirable.  There is a perception of a "correct way" to be black and deviating from it is viewed negatively.  You saw a small excerpt of that in regard to Cori Bush's comments on a GOP lawmaker who is also black.

Is that the main reason?  I certainly don't know.

Yeah it's a minefield, I'm aware, but I have a real-life reputation for constantly stepping on those, so I don't mind. I was close to add cultural reasons myself, just didn't think it was true. And I have a hard time believing that what you assume is true. This is about people actually attending school, after all. I could see in theory that in certain cultures getting an education is frowned upon and this might deter people from going to school beyond what is mandatory in the first place. But I can't quite fathom that it is ok to go to school and to try to attend college, but not ok to do good and get good grades there. That is a bridge too far for me. But then again, I'm from way abroad and can't possibly assess that.