Affirmative action or positive discrimination, is a policy or a program of giving certain preferences to certain (usually under-represented) groups. This typically focuses on education, employment, government contracts, health care, or social welfare.
There is much debate concerning claims that it fails to achieve its desired goal, and that it has unintended and undesirable side-effects. There are also claims that the practice is itself racist or sexist.
Affirmative action began as a corrective measure for governmental and social injustices against demographic groups that have been subjected to prejudice. Such groups are characterized most commonly by race, gender, or ethnicity. Affirmative action seeks to increase the representation of these demographic groups in fields of study and work in which they have traditionally been underrepresented.
A certain group or gender may be less proportionately represented in an area, often employment or education, due predominantly, in the view of proponents, to past or ongoing discrimination against members of the group. The theory is that a simple adoption of meritocratic principles along the lines of race-blindness or gender-blindness will not suffice to change the situation for several reasons:
* Discrimination practices of the past preclude the acquisition of 'merit' by limiting access to educational opportunities and job experiences.
* Ostensible measures of 'merit' may well be biased toward the same groups who are already empowered.
* Regardless of overt principles, people already in positions of power are likely to hire people they already know, and/or people from similar backgrounds.
The terms "affirmative action" and "positive discrimination" originate in law, where it is common for lawyers to speak of "affirmative" or "positive" remedies that command the wrongdoer to do something. In contrast, "negative" remedies command the wrongdoer not to do something or to stop doing something.
In 1962, James Farmer, founder of the Congress of Racial Equality, held a meeting with then vice president Lyndon B. Johnson.
Farmer proposed that a program that he called Compensatory Preferential Treatment should be put in place in order to advance the equality of the black race. In 1965, Johnson (then president) renamed Compensatory Preferential Treatment "affirmative action" in a famous speech at Howard University, which became the national justification for moving the country beyond nondiscrimination to a more vigorous effort to improve the status of black Americans.
It was a counter-argument to the previously prevailing notion of meritocracy. The skills that merit-based admission rewards are cultivated in children by parents with money. Affirmative action was to be a method by which minorities could eventually develop those skills in their own children.
In the 1960s and 1970s, affirmative action became overwhelmingly popular on campuses across America as mass student protests spurred schools to actively recruit minority applicants.
In the U.S., the most prominent form of affirmative action centers on access to education, particularly admission to universities and other forms of tertiary instruction. Race, ethnicity, native language, social class, geographical origin, parental attendance of the university in question (legacy admissions), and/or gender are often taken into account when assessing the meaning of an applicant's grades and test scores.
For example, the college admission chances of a female university student will tend to be equal to that of a male student with SAT scores fifty points higher than hers. Individuals can also be awarded scholarships and have fees paid on the basis of criteria listed above.
Affirmative action programs at universities benefit mostly African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and women (in engineering and the physical sciences). Asian Americans, although a racial minority, do not benefit at most colleges because the rate of college education among Asian Americans is higher than the other racial groups (including whites).
The following are problems with affirmative action based on a review[11] of Affirmative Action Around the World: An Empirical Study (ISBN 0-30010-199-6, 2004) by economist Dr. Thomas Sowell, himself African-American:
* They encourage non-preferred groups to designate themselves as members of preferred groups [i.e. primary beneficiary of affirmative action] to take advantage of group preference policies;
* They tend to benefit primarily the most fortunate among the preferred group (e.g. black millionaires), oftentimes to the detriment of the least fortunate among the non-preferred groups (e.g. poor whites);
* They reduce the incentives of both the preferred and non-preferred to perform at their best — the former because doing so is unnecessary and the latter because it can prove futile — thereby resulting in net losses for society as a whole; and
* They engender animosity toward preferred groups as well as on the part of preferred groups themselves, whose main problem in some cases has been their own inadequacy combined with their resentment of non-preferred groups who — without preferences — consistently
Critics often object to the use of racial quotas and gender quotas in affirmative action. However, quotas are ILLEGAL in the United States, except when a judge issues an order for a specific institution to make up for extreme past discrimination.
There is dispute over whether this de jure illegality prevents de facto quotas. Much time has been spent attempting to show that these "goals" are not quotas.
An increasingly assertive opposition movement argues that the battle to guarantee equal rights for all citizens has been fought and won – and that favoring members of one group over another simply goes against the American grain.
The debate in the US still continues, is affirmative action applicable or not?
--Compiled From Various Sources by Berhael
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Of Frost and Favourites
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-- Robert Frost
Robert Frost was born on March 26 in San Francisco, first child of Isabelle Moodie and William Prescott Frost Jr. Named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
His first published poem, "La Noche Triste," based on episode in Prescott's Conquest of Mexico, appeared in the Lawrence High School Bulletin in April, 1890; a second poem, "The Song of the Wave," appeared in the Bulletin in May, in the same year.
He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for New Hampshire in May, 1924., A Further Range, 1937, A Winter Tree, 1942.
He passed away on January 29, 1963.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Of Elections and Lessons
Well, let me say, its been such a long time since i've written a blog. Truth is, I almost forgot that I has one, until one very sharp soul politely reminded me that its time i write one (actually it was more like "#%$&@*#(@*& your blog!!!!" but we'll let that pass).
This time I would like to share my thoughts on something that has taken my time in the last few days. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, for those who know me, it is THE ELECTIONS.
Democracy (from Greek δημοκρατία (demokratia), δημος (demos) the common people + κρατειν (kratein) to rule + the suffix ία, literally "the common people rule") is a form of government where the population of a society controls the government. The earliest forms of democracy were used by (surprise! surprise!) republics in ancient India, which were established sometime before the 6th century BC, and prior to the birth of Buddha. These republics were known as Maha Janapadas, and among these states, Vaishali, in what is now Bihar, India, was the world's first republic. Later during the time of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, the Greeks wrote about the Sabarcae and Sambastai states in what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose "form of government was democratic and not regal" according to Greek scholars at the time.
The term "democracy" in the original word in Ancient Greek - was coined in ancient Athens in the 5th century BC. Athenian democracy is generally seen as one of the earliest examples of a system corresponding to some of the modern notions of democratic rule. Only a sixth or a quarter of the whole adult male population of Athens could vote; but this was a bar of nationality, like the present German franchise, not of economic status: however poor they were, all Athenian citizens were free to vote and speak in the Assembly. Ancient Athenian citizens made decisions directly, rather than voting for representatives. This form of democracy that was present in Athens is known as direct democracy.
My tryst with democracy started last week and ended only a couple of days ago. It started when I decided to stand for the post of secretary in a particular field. It was a one-off decision based on the fact that I really felt, I had the credentials for the job and in addition, felt this was a golden chance for me to take up responsibility in a post and do justice. I also felt, this was a good chance for me to change things in general in the hostel and to leave a mark, a legacy which any future secretary would then uphold.
For about one week, I campaigned the best I could, talked to everyone. Put forth certain points which i felt should be changed and in general was trying my best to be seen everywhere and with everyone. I talked to seniors, some more willing to listen, some who had already decided and were simply asking me stuff which I had to answer. I spoke to juniors, tried to inspire them with my master plan, and put forth my views on how and why they should involve themselves. To the best of my ability, I worked hard sometimes slept at two, sometimes working for four hours straight. Eating less, sleeping lesser, the usual sob story.
Sadly, when it came to counting day, I was to realise that I am not the winning candidate. Infact, I was polled in as the person with the least number of votes. This left me kind of disillusioned. I was sure, that I was the right guy for the job, I have strong organising skills, efficiency has always been my motto, and the sheer variety and magnitude of my credentials and achievements required for this post itself would have been enough. But apparently, two thirds of the hostel didn't think so. And i lost. Despite this, I don't feel sad, only relief that its over and happiness over one major fact.
The post that i contested for has had one of the most cleanest campaigns ever. None of the candidates in the fray ever said something bad about the other. There was overall goodwill and the feeling that whoever wins, its still a team game and all contributions are welcome/necessary.
I have come to the following conclusion about elections in general:
1) The reason people vote for you is not because you are efficient, really good at your job, or someone who has a really good feel for a position. They vote for you because they know you. You could be the most brilliant guy on earth, but if people don't know you, they don't trust you. If they don't trust you, they feel that you might not meet their expectations, if they feel so, they won't vote.
2) Never underestimate the importance of regionalism, especially in a country like India. It has anything and everything to do with and election. Somehow, there is a sort of security which one gets from a candidate from his/her own region. That automatically translates into a vote. I'm not being idealistic but i feel, it could be different. If you don't speak the common man's language, there is no security for him to like you.
3) Always make sure that you make your target person feel good. Don't talk about big things, the overall picture. Whoever it is, make it personal. Make it affect them. You could have a million plans, but if you don't affect the target, your plans are useless.
4) People always are like a flock of sheep. They will go for who their friends, colleagues, family etc go for. Barring a few exceptions, it will always be there. This again is due to familiarity.
5) It isn't enough to do work for people. It is necessary to work and MAKE SURE everyone knows about it. If required, one should make a big deal out of it. So EVERYONE knows. This is what will impress people. Its not about holding the golden egg, its about making people THINK you have the golden egg.
6) A politician is a politician is a politician. You can never trust guys who play politics. They will say yes I will vote for you and say yes I will vote for you to your rival as well. Ultimately they will vote for the guy who they like/will help them more/is less of a threat to their supremacy. Their aim is not vote, but to put a guy in a post. Atleast that is how I see them. I really don't want to anything with such people even if they help me win. I'd rather lose than go and grovel at
their feet, kiss certain regions of their bodies or make them feel like they are champions (which they are so not).
7) Nothing talks better than money. However temporary monetary benefits are, if people see money coming their way when a candidate is elected, they go for him, without the slightest thought of whether they will actually get their cash.
8) One must be willing to do anything and everything to get elected. To be fair, it requires a lot of hardwork, to be able to talk to different sections of people in different ways. It is a non-stop affair, running around talking. Infact, so much that you must neglect every other sane aspect of your life for the electoral period and focus only on this. If you are not capable of doing this, you shouldn't stand.
9) You must be perceived as popular, that in itself is half the job done.
10) Timing is everything. You have to meet the maximum people in their best moods in minimum time.
11) Anyone who you've never talked to before, but still smiles at you and behaves nicely with you won't vote for you.
12) Temporary sops always score over long term benefits.
13) Last but not the least, to win, it is essential to make as many promises catering to as many sections of society as possible. Whether or not one can implement them is not critical. The fact is people will see only THAT promise that affects them and leave the rest as don't-care conditions. On the whole, it is necessary, to adopt the bombastic, go ahead and impress people saying one can do everything and making sure you please people so much, you get elected.
Yes, this is what i've learnt, some of these lessons might be good, some might need change. The bottomline is this, I am very happy that i've participated in these elections. It has taught me a lot, about the person I should be. In addition, it has told me, that a loss is a loss and that I should really worry about such things as long as I'm doing good work. If I am satisfied with that, then I don't need any popular verdict to tell me who i really am.
Thanks for your patience.
>>Berhael
Disclaimer: All these points are merely observations posted by the Blog artist. They are not aimed at any particular person/group of people, nor are their intentions to hurt the feelings of anyone. Sportive spirit will be appreciated.
This time I would like to share my thoughts on something that has taken my time in the last few days. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, for those who know me, it is THE ELECTIONS.
Democracy (from Greek δημοκρατία (demokratia), δημος (demos) the common people + κρατειν (kratein) to rule + the suffix ία, literally "the common people rule") is a form of government where the population of a society controls the government. The earliest forms of democracy were used by (surprise! surprise!) republics in ancient India, which were established sometime before the 6th century BC, and prior to the birth of Buddha. These republics were known as Maha Janapadas, and among these states, Vaishali, in what is now Bihar, India, was the world's first republic. Later during the time of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, the Greeks wrote about the Sabarcae and Sambastai states in what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose "form of government was democratic and not regal" according to Greek scholars at the time.
The term "democracy" in the original word in Ancient Greek - was coined in ancient Athens in the 5th century BC. Athenian democracy is generally seen as one of the earliest examples of a system corresponding to some of the modern notions of democratic rule. Only a sixth or a quarter of the whole adult male population of Athens could vote; but this was a bar of nationality, like the present German franchise, not of economic status: however poor they were, all Athenian citizens were free to vote and speak in the Assembly. Ancient Athenian citizens made decisions directly, rather than voting for representatives. This form of democracy that was present in Athens is known as direct democracy.
My tryst with democracy started last week and ended only a couple of days ago. It started when I decided to stand for the post of secretary in a particular field. It was a one-off decision based on the fact that I really felt, I had the credentials for the job and in addition, felt this was a golden chance for me to take up responsibility in a post and do justice. I also felt, this was a good chance for me to change things in general in the hostel and to leave a mark, a legacy which any future secretary would then uphold.
For about one week, I campaigned the best I could, talked to everyone. Put forth certain points which i felt should be changed and in general was trying my best to be seen everywhere and with everyone. I talked to seniors, some more willing to listen, some who had already decided and were simply asking me stuff which I had to answer. I spoke to juniors, tried to inspire them with my master plan, and put forth my views on how and why they should involve themselves. To the best of my ability, I worked hard sometimes slept at two, sometimes working for four hours straight. Eating less, sleeping lesser, the usual sob story.
Sadly, when it came to counting day, I was to realise that I am not the winning candidate. Infact, I was polled in as the person with the least number of votes. This left me kind of disillusioned. I was sure, that I was the right guy for the job, I have strong organising skills, efficiency has always been my motto, and the sheer variety and magnitude of my credentials and achievements required for this post itself would have been enough. But apparently, two thirds of the hostel didn't think so. And i lost. Despite this, I don't feel sad, only relief that its over and happiness over one major fact.
The post that i contested for has had one of the most cleanest campaigns ever. None of the candidates in the fray ever said something bad about the other. There was overall goodwill and the feeling that whoever wins, its still a team game and all contributions are welcome/necessary.
I have come to the following conclusion about elections in general:
1) The reason people vote for you is not because you are efficient, really good at your job, or someone who has a really good feel for a position. They vote for you because they know you. You could be the most brilliant guy on earth, but if people don't know you, they don't trust you. If they don't trust you, they feel that you might not meet their expectations, if they feel so, they won't vote.
2) Never underestimate the importance of regionalism, especially in a country like India. It has anything and everything to do with and election. Somehow, there is a sort of security which one gets from a candidate from his/her own region. That automatically translates into a vote. I'm not being idealistic but i feel, it could be different. If you don't speak the common man's language, there is no security for him to like you.
3) Always make sure that you make your target person feel good. Don't talk about big things, the overall picture. Whoever it is, make it personal. Make it affect them. You could have a million plans, but if you don't affect the target, your plans are useless.
4) People always are like a flock of sheep. They will go for who their friends, colleagues, family etc go for. Barring a few exceptions, it will always be there. This again is due to familiarity.
5) It isn't enough to do work for people. It is necessary to work and MAKE SURE everyone knows about it. If required, one should make a big deal out of it. So EVERYONE knows. This is what will impress people. Its not about holding the golden egg, its about making people THINK you have the golden egg.
6) A politician is a politician is a politician. You can never trust guys who play politics. They will say yes I will vote for you and say yes I will vote for you to your rival as well. Ultimately they will vote for the guy who they like/will help them more/is less of a threat to their supremacy. Their aim is not vote, but to put a guy in a post. Atleast that is how I see them. I really don't want to anything with such people even if they help me win. I'd rather lose than go and grovel at
their feet, kiss certain regions of their bodies or make them feel like they are champions (which they are so not).
7) Nothing talks better than money. However temporary monetary benefits are, if people see money coming their way when a candidate is elected, they go for him, without the slightest thought of whether they will actually get their cash.
8) One must be willing to do anything and everything to get elected. To be fair, it requires a lot of hardwork, to be able to talk to different sections of people in different ways. It is a non-stop affair, running around talking. Infact, so much that you must neglect every other sane aspect of your life for the electoral period and focus only on this. If you are not capable of doing this, you shouldn't stand.
9) You must be perceived as popular, that in itself is half the job done.
10) Timing is everything. You have to meet the maximum people in their best moods in minimum time.
11) Anyone who you've never talked to before, but still smiles at you and behaves nicely with you won't vote for you.
12) Temporary sops always score over long term benefits.
13) Last but not the least, to win, it is essential to make as many promises catering to as many sections of society as possible. Whether or not one can implement them is not critical. The fact is people will see only THAT promise that affects them and leave the rest as don't-care conditions. On the whole, it is necessary, to adopt the bombastic, go ahead and impress people saying one can do everything and making sure you please people so much, you get elected.
Yes, this is what i've learnt, some of these lessons might be good, some might need change. The bottomline is this, I am very happy that i've participated in these elections. It has taught me a lot, about the person I should be. In addition, it has told me, that a loss is a loss and that I should really worry about such things as long as I'm doing good work. If I am satisfied with that, then I don't need any popular verdict to tell me who i really am.
Thanks for your patience.
>>Berhael
Disclaimer: All these points are merely observations posted by the Blog artist. They are not aimed at any particular person/group of people, nor are their intentions to hurt the feelings of anyone. Sportive spirit will be appreciated.
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