Discrimination or preference based on race is always wrong. No one disagrees with that. It is detrimental to the mental and situational status of those affected. This can be described effectively through a certain scenario. Let’s say that there were two boys living in a wealthy neighborhood. One was white and one was black. They grew up as best friends and got relatively similar grades. However, in this case, the Caucasian boy’s grades were slightly better than those of the African-American boy’s. Their friendship was so strong that they decided to apply to the same colleges. They both put the University of Michigan on top of their list. Maybe they could even be roommates. The boys waited anxiously every day for the mail to come. When it came, there was jubilation in one house and sorrow in the other. It would make sense that if one was to get in, it would be the one with better grades, which in this case happened to be the white boy. Astonishingly, this case makes no sense. It was the boy who did not get better grades, in this case the black boy, who was accepted. The only explanation for this is racial bias in the acceptance system. In any way of viewing this problem, it can be defined as unjust racial discrimination. This is called affirmative action. It is not just applied to African-Americans, all minorities get preference. Minorities make up 24.9% of the population (provided by the 2000 Census). However, at the University of Michigan, minorities made up 35.8% of the freshman class in 2002 (provided by the University of Michigan). There are already more minority students at this college than is representative of the population. Why should we take measures to promote expanded racial integration when the numbers already suggest that there is diversity at the University of Michigan?
The main argument in favor of affirmative action is that economic conditions for minorities are generally poorer than those of Caucasians. However, it is common sense that there are plenty of whites that are poor as well as there are plenty of minorities who are wealthy. This system makes unfair stereotypes about the racial conditions of both minorities and Caucasians. It automatically gives points to minorities because of their racial status. Universities that operate this way are making prejudices based on the color of the prospective student’s skin. Essentially, at the University of Michigan, you are at a disadvantage if you are white.
Perhaps a better solution can be found. If these Universities make the argument that affirmative action should be practiced based on the general economic status of minorities, then why not base the system on economic status. Why not take the parent’s annual income and if it is below a certain level, then give the points to that student, regardless of race? Also, a further inspection of the work ethic of the students considered for these points should be conducted. Hard work is rewarded by acceptances and if a student is economically hindered, that is taken into consideration.
Written for English Class by an Anonymous 15-Year-Old
