imperfect.la
Warlord
I got a relatively "progressive" school. The exit polling at my school for the California primary elections, 81% voted for Obama, 9% for Hillary. Only 10% voted for Republican primary, with most going to McCain. Needless to say, UCLA is overwhelmingly liberal. However, what I know is an issue that commonly angers most "liberals" is Affirmative Action. I've seen stereotypical code-pink liberals denounce Affirmative Action with the same veracity as any right-winger.
I've always found it kind of strange. California is one of the most, if not the most liberal states in the Union. However, some time ago, Californians voted to ban Affirmative Action. Needless to say, this never stopped most public universities like UCLA or UC Berkeley to continue the process. From pressure within the Democratic party (in order to pick up minority votes), Affirmative Action is alive and well, under different names and loopholes, but it still exists.
Why do so many college age liberals oppose AA? It mostly stems from the rigorous admissions process. Anyone who's applied to a decent school can probably agree, the process is very stressful and uncertain. Kids, because of pressure by parents and peers, essentially spend their whole life trying to get accepted into a good university. I was loaded on heroin during most of the application process, so it wasn't really that bad for me; however, needless to say, seeing a lot of my friends become nervous wrecks waiting to hear from their schools certainly proves how uneasy everyone is.
The argument is as follows: I've spent my whole life trying hard in high school, and it's not fair that someone who is less qualified than me might have a chance at stealing my spot at a good school.
In essence this is a highly self-serving and hypocritical argument. Being a progressive means you must sacrifice something in order to improve society; usually this means money through taxes, but sometimes a more personal sacrifice is needed. I find it kind of sad that the first time that someone has a chance to make a personal sacrifice to improve society, no matter how small or perceived it is, "liberals" instead choose to complain and whine about inequalities.
People probably know all the arguments for AA. It helps people and societies that don't have the same opportunities as other students do. I grew up in a upper class town, attending a very good high school. I've had councilors, AP classes, and good teachers. I didn't have to deal with gang violence, a decaying school system, and having to provide to feed my family. I find it disgusting when people from my area complain that someone that "didn't deserve it" attends their school. Most people that have gotten in through AA programs deserve to attend their school a lot more than some of these whiny, entitled, rich white kids.
More importantly, AA helps improve our societies. By allowing people growing up in poorer parts of the nation or state a chance to improve their home with their superior education, we ensure that our society benefits.
I find the rabid opposition against AA very selfish and hypocritical, especially from self proclaimed liberals and progressives. It's time to reevaluate Affirmative Action and realize the benefits it has for our society in general instead of overly focusing on simply one period if your life wherein you may have a small chance of not getting exactly what is expected.
Why don't more people support AA?
I've always found it kind of strange. California is one of the most, if not the most liberal states in the Union. However, some time ago, Californians voted to ban Affirmative Action. Needless to say, this never stopped most public universities like UCLA or UC Berkeley to continue the process. From pressure within the Democratic party (in order to pick up minority votes), Affirmative Action is alive and well, under different names and loopholes, but it still exists.
Why do so many college age liberals oppose AA? It mostly stems from the rigorous admissions process. Anyone who's applied to a decent school can probably agree, the process is very stressful and uncertain. Kids, because of pressure by parents and peers, essentially spend their whole life trying to get accepted into a good university. I was loaded on heroin during most of the application process, so it wasn't really that bad for me; however, needless to say, seeing a lot of my friends become nervous wrecks waiting to hear from their schools certainly proves how uneasy everyone is.
The argument is as follows: I've spent my whole life trying hard in high school, and it's not fair that someone who is less qualified than me might have a chance at stealing my spot at a good school.
In essence this is a highly self-serving and hypocritical argument. Being a progressive means you must sacrifice something in order to improve society; usually this means money through taxes, but sometimes a more personal sacrifice is needed. I find it kind of sad that the first time that someone has a chance to make a personal sacrifice to improve society, no matter how small or perceived it is, "liberals" instead choose to complain and whine about inequalities.
People probably know all the arguments for AA. It helps people and societies that don't have the same opportunities as other students do. I grew up in a upper class town, attending a very good high school. I've had councilors, AP classes, and good teachers. I didn't have to deal with gang violence, a decaying school system, and having to provide to feed my family. I find it disgusting when people from my area complain that someone that "didn't deserve it" attends their school. Most people that have gotten in through AA programs deserve to attend their school a lot more than some of these whiny, entitled, rich white kids.
More importantly, AA helps improve our societies. By allowing people growing up in poorer parts of the nation or state a chance to improve their home with their superior education, we ensure that our society benefits.
I find the rabid opposition against AA very selfish and hypocritical, especially from self proclaimed liberals and progressives. It's time to reevaluate Affirmative Action and realize the benefits it has for our society in general instead of overly focusing on simply one period if your life wherein you may have a small chance of not getting exactly what is expected.
Why don't more people support AA?
