University Libertarians use bake sale to show opposition to affirmative action
(www.lp.org)
Libertarians at the University of Georgia in Athens used a little sweetness -- in the form of cookies, muffins, and cakes -- to demonstrate why government-mandated affirmative action is wrong.
The University Libertarians sponsored an on-campus bake sale on March 10, and charged black, white, Asian, and hispanic students different prices for the tasty treats.
The purpose of the variable prices was to show why affirmative action -- which applies different standards to different races and genders -- is morally wrong, said freshman Libertarian Chris Leonard.
But some students didn't appreciate the lesson.
"We even had someone call us racist pigs," Leonard told the Red and Black student newspaper.
University Libertarians charged blacks and hispanics 25¢ for the baked goods, while Indians and Asians paid 50¢, white women paid 75¢, and white men paid $1.00.
Some students seemed to understand the message the Libertarians were trying to convey.
"They made their point," said junior Brad Northenor. "I understand what they are trying to get across."
But others just wanted to pay the cheapest price for cookies.
"If you're going to have an event like that, you should charge the same prices for everyone," said junior Alex Drazdowski.
The bake sale did accomplish its goal, said Leonard: It got students debating the merits and morality of affirmative action.
And it also taught some students a lesson in black-market capitalism: Leonard said he saw two white men give money to a black friend so they could buy cookies for the cheapest price. |
