Reverse Discrimination
According to dictionary.com, reverse discrimination is defined as:
the unfair treatment of members of majority groups resulting from preferential policies, as in college admissions or employment, intended to remedy earlier discrimination against minorities.
Although we generally don't think of discrimination as something that affects majority groups, it certainly does. Whether it be in the work force, in schools, in government policies, and most importantly for us applying to college, reverse discrimination plays a huge role.
In 2003, the Supreme Court overturned an admissions policy that was used by the University of Michigan. This policy gave 20 bonus points (out of 100 required) to African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans who were applying to their undergraduate programs. Because this policy applied a "numerical or fixed quota" when considering applicants, it was considered unconstitutional. However, that same day, the Court upheld a policy used by the University of Michigan's Law School that allowed race to be considered a "plus factor" in admitting students. Although this policy of using race as a "plus factor" increased by three times the number of minority applicants who were admitted, because it was not a "fixed quota" it was upheld.
I understand that discrimination against minorities is wrong, but I do believe that discrimination against majorities is just as wrong. It bothers me that because I am a Caucasian, straight, middle-class female, I will have a harder time being admitted to college than someone who is of an ethnic minority or in a lower socio-economic class. Despite the fact that my grades and test scores may be higher and I may be better qualified for a school than someone else, if they are a minority they are given preferential treatment. If they are better qualified they should be admitted, but if not, it's wrong. I can't help that I am not considered "diverse" and that I have to check the box or fill in the bubble next to "Caucasian"; I don't believe that I should discriminated because of it.
Comments
I find your post very
I find your post very interesting. Reverse Discrimination is often overlooked, though I think it is as harmful to society as any sort of discrimination against minorities. It is posts like the one you have written that raise awareness of these issues in society, and with this raised awareness we can slowly move toward a more just and equal society. (ideally)
Teresa - I really liked your
Teresa -
I really liked your post because it is something that it is usually overlooked. Like you said, no one really thinks about marking that ethnicity box, even though it holds a lot of power. Colleges and Universities are always looking to present an image of them as diverse, particularly in regard to race, and so set in place measures to get more minorities in their school, but this is unfair to the majority. I also agree when you said that you might be more qualified for a school, but someone else may be accepted over you because of your majority ethnicity. I am in the same predicament, and it's hard to see if there is any way around it.
-Carrie