Hello Internet! Good to see you again. Forgot to say that last time forgive me.
Maybe you have heard of Juneteenth and the 4th of July.
But what about National Freedom Day?
Why am I even bringing this up?
It's important as will be revealed.
This holiday was created by the founder of Savannah State University's founder Richard R. Wright.
Okay what does it celebrate you may ask.
Richard R. Wright worked to get this holiday declared official by President Truman to celebrate the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th amendment. This is what the made the freedom of enslaved Afrikans official.
It's actually the first day of Black History Month as it is celebrated on February 1.
Now that we've got the facts I'd like to say how I feel about National Freedom Day.
First of all I really admire Mr. Wright for working that hard to get the holiday established. I am also glad he did because there are a lot of common misconceptions about when the freedom of enslaved Afrikans was official.
I also feel like more people should know about this day. I mean I didn't even hear about it until I wrote a paper on it. I wonder if a lot of people are in the same situation. Hopefully this blog post will help someone then :).
After all it is the first day of Black History Month. I am not even sure if it gets a parade which is really sad to me. After all that work Mr. Wright did it doesn't seem to get as much fan fare as other holidays even though it is just as important. Hopefully on February 1 I will be surprised. If not I will be the one person walking around on February 1 saying "Happy National Freedom Day!"
Works Cited
"Educator, Banker, Civil Rights Leader." Wharton Alumni Magazine 2007: n. pag. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Attorney Whitney Williams
"So what are you saying counselor? " I felt my heartbeat pick up as Attorney Whitney Williams questioned one of my classmates. This was going to be a rough day for our critical thinking class.
"We are so dead." I said to my think tank members. I thought we would be. A couple weeks back Attorney Williams visited my classroom and I was on my toes the whole time. I was very nervous about her picking on me to answer a question. Looking back now I would have liked to have the opportunity to. That was one of the finest days I have had all semester. We got to be lawyers. Without even going to law school. When is that ever going to happen again internet? I don't know and really I wished I had been even more aggressive in the court case we acted out. My think tank got to be on the State's side of the State vs. Peterson case. There are multiple cases with this title but this one involved a man who was found guilty of murdering his wife. My think tank and I had to advocate to have him put behind bars. We were allowed to use dramatic persuasive speech to get our point across and try and influence the jury and judge. Even though a "winner" so to speak was not declared the audience specified us as the most successful. That was pretty awesome. I learned a lot that day about how to present yourself. If I want something I'll have to present in such a way where other people want it too. I really enjoyed that day Internet. Even though I don't think I want to be a lawyer how I learned about persuasive speech I will never forget. I will also remember the next time I see Attorney Whitney Williams I will look at all the information the case could possibly have even shoe sizes. Yes internet shoe sizes.
"We are so dead." I said to my think tank members. I thought we would be. A couple weeks back Attorney Williams visited my classroom and I was on my toes the whole time. I was very nervous about her picking on me to answer a question. Looking back now I would have liked to have the opportunity to. That was one of the finest days I have had all semester. We got to be lawyers. Without even going to law school. When is that ever going to happen again internet? I don't know and really I wished I had been even more aggressive in the court case we acted out. My think tank got to be on the State's side of the State vs. Peterson case. There are multiple cases with this title but this one involved a man who was found guilty of murdering his wife. My think tank and I had to advocate to have him put behind bars. We were allowed to use dramatic persuasive speech to get our point across and try and influence the jury and judge. Even though a "winner" so to speak was not declared the audience specified us as the most successful. That was pretty awesome. I learned a lot that day about how to present yourself. If I want something I'll have to present in such a way where other people want it too. I really enjoyed that day Internet. Even though I don't think I want to be a lawyer how I learned about persuasive speech I will never forget. I will also remember the next time I see Attorney Whitney Williams I will look at all the information the case could possibly have even shoe sizes. Yes internet shoe sizes.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
What I Would Do If I had A News Channel
Good evening internet. This is your blogger with your local on the 8s.
Okay so I may not know how to accurately give you that internet. But I am wondering avidly, what would it be like running my own news channel. It might be really fun, and of course extremely stressful because I like things to be really nice. This requires a good bit of effort on my part and there are billion other things to do in the world. Maybe I don't actually want one. But I know what I would do if I had one.
There are some things I want to change about current broadcasting channels.
Most news shows are manipulative in some way. Be it unintentional or not. Most of the time it is intentional. The news often is used to control how people respond to a major event. Hey, the news even decides what events are considered major. If someone doesn't see it on the news how big of a deal is it? Maybe the news stations employ some kind of polling about topics that I don't know about or maybe they choose based on hearsay , I am not sure. However, I know what I would do if I had the chance to have my own TV station.
1. Highlights Must Die. Mostly.
Okay that needs some explaining. My definition of highlights are the few sentences newscasters say about a certain event. For example, somebody somewhere was shot by someone else and the newscaster quickly tells you a few key things about that. Yes, I understand a lot must be done in a short period of time but it's not worth it if people end up misunderstanding the situation. I would only allow highlights if it were something inconsequential or something that had been firmly covered previously. I also would have all my newscasters suggest to the listener that they read the articles on the website about the event that was only briefly mentioned as there is more to the story. I am sure if the fact that the whole story is not told in the few sentences someone hears on their way to work is emphasized less misunderstandings will be had. I would also have my newscasters remind the listener that anything they didn't have time to cover on air was mentioned on our website and the listener would be more informed that way.
2. Discussion Topics From the General Populus
If I had a news station I would like to cover topics I knew for a fact that people wanted to hear. So I would take polls on what people wanted more information about and send my intrepid reporters out to find out more. I am not sure how new stations decide what topics to talk about, but if I had a station I would want people to understand our process. So that they could see we really were covering topics they had deemed important.
3. Critical Review of Media
I would have a slot just for analyzing movies and other media. I think sometimes people use fictional movies as factual sources of credible information, and that a critical review of movies would invite people to think more deeply. This would invite people to speak freely without fear of being bullied by people who are believed to be the majority. Sometimes the negative people get the loudest voice and that's not fair. Also I think sometimes people are afraid to speak about things on social media because it has a lot of likes. That means next to nothing as people can like their own comments and even create more accounts. Having an open space on air for people to talk to the newscasters would be good. Or better yet maybe students and people of all ages could come and talk about how they see it.
4. Polite and Fair Treatment of All Guests Must Be Mandatory
I have seen discussions on the news where some guests are treated unfairly. For example they get hardball questions or the camera puts them in a bad angle. I really don't like that. It inhibits the watcher from getting a good view of both sides and manipulates them. I would make sure not to have any guest portrayed unfairly on my show.
5. Coverage of Local Problems and Practical Suggestions on How to Help.
I know for a fact people may stop watching the news because it's depressing. What can they do about everything that's going on around them? It's too much so why bother? I would get into the specifics about local problems and have my casters give practical suggestions about how the average person can take control of the situation and lend a hand.
Well, that's it for today Internet. What would you do if you had a news station? What do you not like about the news?
If you have the time I am curious to find out. :).
Okay so I may not know how to accurately give you that internet. But I am wondering avidly, what would it be like running my own news channel. It might be really fun, and of course extremely stressful because I like things to be really nice. This requires a good bit of effort on my part and there are billion other things to do in the world. Maybe I don't actually want one. But I know what I would do if I had one.
There are some things I want to change about current broadcasting channels.
Most news shows are manipulative in some way. Be it unintentional or not. Most of the time it is intentional. The news often is used to control how people respond to a major event. Hey, the news even decides what events are considered major. If someone doesn't see it on the news how big of a deal is it? Maybe the news stations employ some kind of polling about topics that I don't know about or maybe they choose based on hearsay , I am not sure. However, I know what I would do if I had the chance to have my own TV station.
1. Highlights Must Die. Mostly.
Okay that needs some explaining. My definition of highlights are the few sentences newscasters say about a certain event. For example, somebody somewhere was shot by someone else and the newscaster quickly tells you a few key things about that. Yes, I understand a lot must be done in a short period of time but it's not worth it if people end up misunderstanding the situation. I would only allow highlights if it were something inconsequential or something that had been firmly covered previously. I also would have all my newscasters suggest to the listener that they read the articles on the website about the event that was only briefly mentioned as there is more to the story. I am sure if the fact that the whole story is not told in the few sentences someone hears on their way to work is emphasized less misunderstandings will be had. I would also have my newscasters remind the listener that anything they didn't have time to cover on air was mentioned on our website and the listener would be more informed that way.
2. Discussion Topics From the General Populus
If I had a news station I would like to cover topics I knew for a fact that people wanted to hear. So I would take polls on what people wanted more information about and send my intrepid reporters out to find out more. I am not sure how new stations decide what topics to talk about, but if I had a station I would want people to understand our process. So that they could see we really were covering topics they had deemed important.
3. Critical Review of Media
I would have a slot just for analyzing movies and other media. I think sometimes people use fictional movies as factual sources of credible information, and that a critical review of movies would invite people to think more deeply. This would invite people to speak freely without fear of being bullied by people who are believed to be the majority. Sometimes the negative people get the loudest voice and that's not fair. Also I think sometimes people are afraid to speak about things on social media because it has a lot of likes. That means next to nothing as people can like their own comments and even create more accounts. Having an open space on air for people to talk to the newscasters would be good. Or better yet maybe students and people of all ages could come and talk about how they see it.
4. Polite and Fair Treatment of All Guests Must Be Mandatory
I have seen discussions on the news where some guests are treated unfairly. For example they get hardball questions or the camera puts them in a bad angle. I really don't like that. It inhibits the watcher from getting a good view of both sides and manipulates them. I would make sure not to have any guest portrayed unfairly on my show.
5. Coverage of Local Problems and Practical Suggestions on How to Help.
I know for a fact people may stop watching the news because it's depressing. What can they do about everything that's going on around them? It's too much so why bother? I would get into the specifics about local problems and have my casters give practical suggestions about how the average person can take control of the situation and lend a hand.
Well, that's it for today Internet. What would you do if you had a news station? What do you not like about the news?
If you have the time I am curious to find out. :).
Monday, September 22, 2014
Too Much Homework Not Enough Space. A Vote of Confidence for My Fellow Students
Too much stuff not enough space! Too much stuff not enough space! Too much- okay yeah.
I don't know if anyone reading has ever seen that commercial before but it was for some kind of storage bag that would give someone a million times more closet space or something.
It's been back to school for awhile and Tis the season to do work. A lot of work.
I feel like I absolutely must give my fellow students a vote of confidence. So that even if none sees it right away hopefully they will when they need it. Anyway they can't if it doesn't exist.
It's deep in the semester for most people (or at least it sure feels like it). Those reading assignments are piled high, there are worksheets to do, projects to think about, group meetings to make, blog posts for Professor Barr that need to be published. (*coughs*)
It can be a lot. No truth is it is a lot. If someone's a student in high school or college or even middle or elementary school things can feel really rough. It is rough.
But it's nothing we can't handle. I am not about to be beat by a piece of paper. or some pages that need to be read. I know everyone else out there can do whatever it is they need to do as well. So fellow students you have a vote of confidence from me. Hang in there. We can do it.
In following of my mission statement of The Roots song The Fire , I won't tell you good luck.
You don't need it.
Don't Give Up.
I don't know if anyone reading has ever seen that commercial before but it was for some kind of storage bag that would give someone a million times more closet space or something.
It's been back to school for awhile and Tis the season to do work. A lot of work.
I feel like I absolutely must give my fellow students a vote of confidence. So that even if none sees it right away hopefully they will when they need it. Anyway they can't if it doesn't exist.
It's deep in the semester for most people (or at least it sure feels like it). Those reading assignments are piled high, there are worksheets to do, projects to think about, group meetings to make, blog posts for Professor Barr that need to be published. (*coughs*)
It can be a lot. No truth is it is a lot. If someone's a student in high school or college or even middle or elementary school things can feel really rough. It is rough.
But it's nothing we can't handle. I am not about to be beat by a piece of paper. or some pages that need to be read. I know everyone else out there can do whatever it is they need to do as well. So fellow students you have a vote of confidence from me. Hang in there. We can do it.
In following of my mission statement of The Roots song The Fire , I won't tell you good luck.
You don't need it.
Don't Give Up.
Good Fiction!
Lately I have noticed in my quest for a good read that a good read is pretty hard to find. Really hard. Now before I begin I just want to say this. Romance is fine. But if every other young adult book is a teenage paranormal romance...
What do you do if that's not you're thing?
Now here's the thing.
Every other book isn't a teenage paranormal romance.
But...
If you googled young adult books or perused an online store or most recent teen books in a library one may think so.
Don't worry internet. The good books are still out there.
And I am going to show everyone how to find them.
Now my definition of a good book may be different from someone else's so let me list some of the key qualities for me.
- Adventure. :). A dragon thrown in their doesn't hurt ;).
- Mystery. I like to read a book that doesn't have an obvious ending.
- Strong heroines with good senses of humor. I love a funny heroine with strength. Be it the strong no nonsense fighter (like Korra :)) or the elegant queen who gives her enemies no ground.
- Guy characters that make sense and are NOT vampires.
- Food and Places! I love beautiful descriptions of food, scenery, and of clothes.
- Appropriate levels of romance. In other words there is actually a story other than the two characters relationship.
- Relatable villains! I love having to question if the bad guy is really bad and if the hero is right for opposing them. Thinking books internet. Thinking books...
If anyone likes some of the same things they are very much going to enjoy the books I am going to recommend.
Naturally since my favorite number is seven I will present seven of my favorite books, give a brief précis, say why it's good, and what age level it's probably best for.
Ready?
Why did I even ask :)?
1. Zarah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor Mbachu.
This has to be my favorite book.
Ever.
Here's why.
Zarah was born dada. This means to be born with vines growing in one's hair. In her village to be born dada means one will create havoc and be rebellious. Older legends say these people will be very wise. Whose right , whose wrong? Zarah's not all that sure about how she feels about herself. But when her only and bestest friend Dari gets hurt how she feels becomes inconsequential. She goes on a journey to save him. A journey that will change not only the outcome of both Zarah and Dari's lives but Zarah's understanding of herself.
Why is this good?
:):):). The summary I made up says it all but I can say more. First off it is an excellent piece of fiction for African American youth as it contains an all African cast who live in a fantastic intriguing world where plants and technology have bonded. That's right. People can grown PCs. If that's not cool, I really do not know what is.
Age Level?
EVERYONE. Seriously. Anyone can read it. If they are too young to read it can be read to them. This is a good book. There are no inappropriate moments for young people. While the adventure gets intense none is seriously hurt in a way that would harm the innocence of someone of a younger age.
2. The Menagerie Series by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland
Précis
Logan's just a normal kid. He misses his mom who left him and his dad all alone for reasons he can't understand. He's just moved to a brand new town called Xanadu. Yup Xanadu Wyoming. Other than having 0 friends and no mother he's good. But what do you call yourself when you see a griffin hiding under your bed hmm? Logan's thrilled! Okay and surprised and a little concerned but the baby griffin under his bed definitely means no harm. (Unless were talking about the refrigerator's health.) Logan just might finally get the adventure and friends he wanted in his quest to find this baby griffin's home. Then again he just might end up getting seriously hurt.
Why Is This Good?
It has griffins in it. It has griffins in it. It has griffins in it. And dragons. That's enough right? No? Okay here's more. This is a good refreshing story of adventure, teamwork, fantasy, and mystery. You like kitsune? Maybe you'll see one in here. There are all kinds of fabulous mythical creatures brought to life and my fellow fantasy fans will be in love.
Age Level?
Anyone can read and enjoy this book but truth be told it's suggested age group is pre teens. Of course younger people (1-6) will probably not have the patience. As for young adults I say whatever to the age rating. I am no longer a preteen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But what about the young adults who require something a little more serious? I've got just the thing.
3. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Précis
Here's heated. Lauren lives in a fairly peaceful walled town in a post apocalyptic world but is well aware that this peace cannot last. Break ins into other walled towns have been increasing but her attempts to prepare for inevitable disaster are meet with the chagrin of her family and friends. That's only one of Lauren's problems. She also feels other people's emotions and pain. This isn't such a good idea in a world full of suffering. Slowly yet quickly the world within the wall begins to crack. Grief. Devastation. Suffering. Change is the only everlasting thing in this world.
Why Is This Good?
Now I tried not to give away too much because so much happens in this book that the reader should discover unspoiled. This book depicts what an apocalypse leave the world like. More realistic than the glossy heroes in movies and their perfect and only slightly smudged love interests. This world is harsh but the reader will cheer for the practical minded Lauren to prevail. I want to say so much more. But I can only say this. This book opens ones eyes to the realistic falling apart of society and how prepared one may or may not be to face it.
Age Level
Adults only. Seriously. This book is all adult content. 18 and up only. There is serious violence and even some sexual activity.It's the type of book that slowly takes apart one's brain. (Like what Toni Morrison's works do . At least for me anyway.) It's good nevertheless and there's an important message to be had.
So what if one is not in the mood for lighthearted fantasy with some mystery? What if your a serious fantasier (It IS a work spell check. I just made it up. ) but aren't quite ready for the intense violence and imagery of Parable of the Sower? You're covered. :)
4. Justice and Her Brothers by Virginia Hamilton
Précis
Cream of the crop and Pickle. That's what Justice's older brother Thomas calls himself and his identical twin Levi. Pickle of course is Justice.Thomas has always set Justice apart from him and Levi and has an air that other young people clamor to. Justice can't help but dislike her older brother who seems intent on making everyday of her summer torture. Levi her gentle but weak brother is no protection from Thomas's anger. But what Justice and even Thomas doesn't know is she needs no protection. Thomas has gifts but so does she. And in the end she will be the one to save her brother's from themselves and make a good summer out of it. Snake races anyone?
Why Is This Good?
Meet the African American X men everyone. Justice the watcher. Levi the one born to suffer. and Thomas the magician. What those titles mean is a treat for the readers to discover as they read a tale of psychic prowess and coming of age. Anyone can read Justice and her brothers. Or have it read to them. It's a great sci fi for African American youth looking for heroes who match up with their mirrors. Can I just say this?
Justice will prevail.
(I always wanted to say that.)
So what do the readers have a taste for out there on the internet? More fiction?Why didn't you say so?
5. The Secret of Gumbo Grove by Elenora E. Tate
Précis
Raisin loves history and quite frankly she knows a lot more about it than her classmates and friends do. Some of them don't even recognize the names Sojourner Truth or Araminta (Harriet Tubman. Out of respect I call her by her name.). So when Raisin finds out about a graveyard full of important African American historical figures who crafted Gumbo Grove with their will and gave it so many benefits she's thrilled! She can't wait to learn more from the elderly Miss Effie who knows all about the lonely tombstones. But these graves are about to be disturbed in the name of progress. Raisin is dying to give them a chance to hear their stories and save their graves but most people it seems prefer the past right where it and is going. Buried and gone. Welcome to Raisin's summer full of good old fashioned fun , perseverance, and the need to know the past to move forward.
Why is This Good?
Raisin is a history loving girl and a really enjoyable heroine. I love how she fights to try and save the graves of Gumbo Grove and learn their stories. All the while Raisin has a typical summer too and her own problems getting grounded, having fun at fairs and pageants, and being with her friends. Whether it is being read to them or they are just reading. There is no intense imagery or violence but the story will grab you. I feel like rereading it now.
Age Level?
Everyone. There's no reason children of all ages couldn't enjoy it. There's no inappropriateness either. Of course younger children may just like it to be read to them. Really young children (tiny tiny people) will probably just take maybe a small paragraph before bed.
6. A Different Beat by Candy Dawson Boyd
Précis
Jessie is the same color as dark chocolate. Addie Mae Cooper is the same color as honey but super black as Jessie says. Jessie has enough problems without having to worry about how annoying the light skinned Addie Mae always seems to be trying to flash her black card. Like how to stay at the fabulous acting school her father just barely let her attend. If her grades drop she's done and so are her dreams of following her grandmother's footsteps and becoming an actress. To top it off she's unsure of how much her father likes her. Is Addie Mae the type of daughter he'd prefer? Can Jessie face her favorite grade school teacher who degraded her because of her skin color? Can she work through all the stress of growing up and still make her dreams come true? Or will she just end up falling flat?
Why is This Good?
I really love this book. Jessie is a relatable character and how the author writes it helps everyone realize we don't all walk to the same beat. How we came to dance to our particular tunes involves the story of our very lives. Making good friendships often involves understanding , although probably not stepping to, those different beats. The girls stories are revealed as they struggle thorough school, projects, home life, and inner reflection.
Age Level?
Pretty much anyone.
7. The book I publish in the future. Let's call it Coming Soon.
I'll keep you posted internet.
Thanks for reading everyone!
Works Cited
A Different Beat book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.in/Different-Beat-Candy-Dawson-Boyd/dp/0140365826.
Justice and Her Brothers book cover. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://charlotteslibrary.blogspot.com/2012/09/justice-and-her-brothers-by-virginia.html.
The Meangerie Book One book cover. Digital image. Goodreads.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15818029-the-menagerie.
Parable of the Sower book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Parable-Sower-Octavia-E-Butler/dp/0446675504.
The Secret of Gumbo Grove book cover. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.tower.com/secret-gumbo-grove-eleanora-e-tate-other/wapi/108799623.
Zarah the Windseeker book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Zahrah-Windseeker-Nnedi-Okorafor-Mbachu/dp/0547020287.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Affirmative Action and Diversity Management: It's in the Practice. Not the Principle.
Affirmative action ?
Or...
Diversity Management?
Which one, which one?
What do they mean first of all? Affirmative action is the practice that no matter what someone's national creed, race, or gender is they should not be discriminated in the work place or the educational system.
Diversity management's principles state that it's use is to maximize the potential deficits of diversity while maximizing the benefits.
What does that mean? Well first let me explain something. In one of my classes this was a hot debate all last week and most of this one. But as I was heatedly looking for my sources and evidence I thought of an important question. When you are done debating what do you want?
And I realized. I didn't want to win. Okay I did a little.
But more than that I wanted everyone in that room to understand what I said.
Why I said it.
And to listen to what they were saying. and think about it.
Was there enough proof for their side? For mine?
Is it just the principle we are considering? Or the actual facts?
I want to show everyone who reads this post why I chose affirmative action and why I think it is still necessary. No, why we of think tank 8 think it is still necessary. So here it is. From the collective brain of think tank 8.
Affirmative Action Keeps Things More Balanced.
When affirmative action is in place universities have a more balanced population. Although it will become evident campuses with affirmative action are far from equal in population of races, campuses without affirmative action have even lower rates of diversity .Quite a few years ago now, Michigan abolished affirmative action and not too long after their enrollment rates for other races other than caucasian sank down. The rate for enrollment went down 30%. I would like everyone to notice a keyword here. Enrollment. Not application rate. That information is not given. Students cannot enroll themselves in a school. They can only apply. Now on the campus of Michigan State University while the male and female population is nearly 50/50 , not quite but close enough, Caucasians make up 69% of the population and African Americans only make up 7% of the population and Hispanics come up to an even smaller part of campus population at 4%.
However Michigan State University isn't the only school that had drastically lower rates after the abolishment of affirmative action. Other places that did so (both abolished affirmative action, and got lower rates of enrollment) are California, Texas (temporarily. It was reinstated.) , Washington D.C.
Percentage of Freshmen at Universities of African Americans and Hispanics Before and After The Abolishment of Affirmative Action
Washington D.C.
University of Washington: African American Freshmen
Before: 2%
After: 2%
University of Washington: Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 2%
After: 3%
University of Washington: African American Freshmen
Before: 2%
After: 2%
University of Washington: Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 2%
After: 3%
Major Universities in Texas,
University of Texas : African American Freshmen
Before: 5%
After: 3%
After Reinstatement: 5%
University of Texas: Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 16%
After: 13%
After Reinstatement: 21%
Major Universities in California,
University of Texas : African American Freshmen
Before: 5%
After: 3%
After Reinstatement: 5%
University of Texas: Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 16%
After: 13%
After Reinstatement: 21%
Major Universities in California,
University of California , Berkley :African American Freshmen
Before:8 %
After : 4%
University of California, Berkley: Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 23%
After: 9%
U.C.L.A: African American Freshmen
Before :7 %
After: 4%
U.C.L.A : Hispanic Freshmen
Before: 17%
After: 13%
Those are some sad numbers. Especially for the African American population at these colleges. The percentage of young adults at college age are not nearly as low as the enrollment rates are in their states. That's not to say they all applied there. However there isn't anything to say that they did not. of course, the same applies for young people outside of California, Washington D.C., and Texas. Who knows how many applied? Surely enough so that the population would be more equal seeing as some of these universities are in the top colleges listed on Forbes.com.
Discrimination is Still Present
From the statistics above it is obvious that in the educational system some discrimination is still present. What about the business system though? We believe affirmative action should stay in place to even out those populations. For example Google, one of the most popular companies to work for has it's headquarters stationed in California and it's diversity rates are not good.
Here's the table as provided by PBS.org
The rates are unfair for both genders and different races. While I don't posses a similar table for other popular companies such as SAS and Quicken Loans their headquarters are in diversity management states, so while I am unsure of what their rates are sadly I am not very hopeful that they're very fair. Although they very well could be. However the facts of their locations are something to be kept in mind.
In conclusion I'd like to say just this. When the time comes to make a vote will it be made on how one thinks something should work? Or how it actually works?
Thanks for reading.
See you next week internet.
Works Cited
"Best Companies To Work For." Fortune.com. Time Magazine, n.d. Web. Aug.-Sept. 2014. <http://fortune.com/best-companies/sas-2/>.
Fessenden, Ford, and Josh Keller. "How Minorities Have Fared in States With Affirmative Action Bans." The New York Times. N.p., 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/06/24/us/affirmative-action-bans.html?_r=1&>.
"High Court Upholds Michigan's Affirmative Action Ban." Npr. N.p., 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/2014/04/22/305960143/high-court-upholds-michigans-affirmative-action-ban>.
PBS.org. GBP, 28 May 2014. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/google-discloses-workforce-diversity-data-good/>
Berkeley HR. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/guides/managing-hr/interaction/diversity.
"Affirmative Action." ACLU.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. https://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/affirmative-action.
Stohr, Greg. "Black Enrollment Falls as Michigan Rejects Affirmative Action." Bloomberg.com. N.p., 24 Sept. 2013. Web. 9 Sept. 2014. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-24/black-enrollment-falls-as-michigan-rejects-affirmative-action.html.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)