By Erica Randall
Staff Writer
As an African-American, I know it is important to be aware of the devastating African-American history of the past 400 years.
However, I’m still aware of an upsetting African-American present time that, while evolving to healthier forms, still struggles to maintain optimism in the face of discrimination.
For example, my family and I were shocked to discover in the summer of 1998 in Texas, three white men killed a black man, James Byrd Jr. He was beaten, dragged by a truck and then decapitated. Horrified to discover that atrocities like this still exist in society, we shook our heads, saddened by the thought that African-Americans and other minorities are still being treated horribly because of the color of their skin.
Civil Rights struggles during the 1960s led to demands for affirmative action. Initiatives to increase the number of blacks, Latinos and other minorities in employment, education and other aspects of society were instrumental in the development of affirmative action.
On June 23, the Supreme Court ruled that race could be a factor for universities and colleges in shaping their admission programs. The ruling was in response to two University of Michigan cases based on whether racial preference programs unconstitutionally discriminated against white students. The Supreme Court ruled that race could be a factor for determining admission in graduate programs, but ruled against racial preference in undergraduate programs. Nonetheless, race can’t be the main factor in determining admission to a college or university in a graduate program.
I’m both shocked and elated about the Supreme Court’s ruling, torn between what I believe is right, wrong and deserved. African-Americans are being allowed into graduate programs because of the color of their skin – oddly the same factor they have been discriminated against in the past. Yet, I still can’t help feeling contentment at the idea that whites may finally be experiencing what minorities have – and will – throughout their entire lives.
I have been lucky though. I have not experienced blatant discrimination or lived the brutal life my ancestors lived before me. Still, I have felt various forms of prejudice.
For instance, in high school I took a part-time job working during the lunch hour as a cashier. A few weeks into my job, my supervisor informed me that money was missing from the cash register. Although she reassured me that she didn’t suspect me, I was demoted to runner, which paid less. After another couple of weeks passed, I asked to be switched back to my former position, but she refused. I then decided to quit.
To this day I am not sure if she just didn’t trust me because I was African-American or if we just had a misunderstanding. I am saying, though, that I shouldn’t have to wonder whether I am being discriminated against. Whether my roommate decides to move out, I didn’t get the job, or I didn’t do as well as I had expected on a paper, I shouldn’t have to question whether my race affected the decision.
The affirmative action decision is useful in its intentions to help increase the number of minorities in education, employment and other places. I am certain that this is extremely helpful in diversifying the workforce and graduate programs. Additionally, it is instrumental in at long last extending equal opportunities to minorities in some aspects of society, giving them chances they may not otherwise have had because of societal discrimination.
But with every pro, there comes a con. I cannot help but think that minorities are still being chosen in the workforce and graduate programs because of the recurring race card. Also, whites are missing out on positions once guaranteed to them as minorities take their spot. I have not determined whether this is a good idea or not, or whether this is a privileged majority finally experiencing a little part of the unfair and brutal aspects of lives that African-Americans have gone through, or if this is just blatant discrimination.
And although the undergraduate ruling did not leave such a wide open door to using the race factor, I still can’t help but wonder whether ethnic shaping of incoming freshman classes in admissions goes unnoticed, or if it is simply ignored, allowing this unlawful action to slip through the cracks.
Approximately 40 percent of the freshman class is made up of minorities, slowly increasing each year, according to the Pepperdine Web site.
Pepperdine was my first choice when I applied for college, so I knew I would go if I was accepted. The problem was that I had only participated in a few extracurricular activities, had not participated in any sports and had an average GPA. When I finally received my acceptance letter, doubt entered my mind as I wondered if I had been accepted because the university thought I had a future or because they were attempting to reach some minority quota, and I fit the bill.
Doubt still crosses my mind, but I realize I am, thus far, succeeding in school. The idea that other minorities have been given a chance they may not otherwise have had seems promising, indicating that brilliant minds hail from all different races and backgrounds.
And so, as an African-American, I’m aware of a future that is leading to expansive paths for all minorities. Whether this includes affirmative action or not, there is a hopeful future for all as long as optimism always reigns in the face of discrimination.
September 25, 2003