Affirmative action and Anti Racism.

What is it that defines an anti-racist? The concept of anti-racism was one that we thoroughly discussed and one that in my opinion still is somewhat unclear. I had brought up the idea of a passive anti-racist (to oppose passive racism) in order to make a point that those that choose to do nothing are not to be put in the racist realm. After having a bit more time to think about it, I think that those people that do not do their part in whatever situations they can should not be considered to be an active anti racist. However, I still believe that they should not be put into the category of passive/active racism. Instead there should be another category where you can place people that have a firm disbelief in racist attitudes but do not find it within themselves to combat the ideals of racism whether it be societal pressure or difficult situations involving a superior etc. I find the anti-racism involves the ability to combat the ideals of a racist thought. So in class I contradicted myself trying to bring up the idea of a passive anti racist, when by definition there is no such thing. Rather those people to be placed in that category are perhaps undefined and separated (an almost “I don’t care” group that I would personally fall into).

Another idea I wanted to perhaps expand upon was the problem with affirmative action. Though it promotes those that are less fortunate to do well, if we want to live in a society where race isn’t a factor it should eventually be eliminated. Affirmative action in some (not all by any means) situations can be seen as giving minorities a handicap. In this action society is acknowledging that those that don’t receive the help (whites) are more capable in their ability to function without while the minorities that get it in some ways need it. Yes conceptually it is anti racist, the action to aid the less fortunate is fine with me and I am completely for it, but it does not promote a society of equal races. When Affirmative action is not needed is the day we have come one step closer to complete racial equality. When we acknowledge that no one needs extra help because of his or her race and historical factors that are tied, that we have in fact moved on from the historical oppression and have acknowledged a new day of equality.

Omar Mir