I can see that but I'm talking about all races being the same while at the same time talking racial diversity.
Perhaps I'm still missing your point.
I think that, in the days of the melting pot, it was smart for minorities to take the position that all races and ethnic groups were the same in the face of racists who were arguing for continued segregation and discrimination on the grounds of inherent differences.
Afterwards, once inherent racial differences were scientifically debunked and non-discrimination was the law, it became politically advantageous for minorities to focus on cultural differences, if not physical differences, particularly since the fastest growing minority, Hispanics, wasn't really a racial classification, at all. This, plus increased self-segregation, had the benefit of justifying a continued need for affirmative action.
Since when does something need to make sense if it is politically advantageous and you can get away with it?
Personally, I prefer the all-the-same approach. First of all, it's true. And second, it's healthier for our society. The individual is the unique entity, not the group, no matter how you slice the population into groups.
Karen |
