With decisions pending in the two Supreme Court cases discussing the future of affirmative action, today we talk about all things affirmative action, including: where it came from, who the biggest beneficiaries of it have been (and if you know a White woman in this country, you’ll want to listen) if we still need it (yes), and what you’ll really need to know about where our society may be headed – because this not only impacts education but our companies and communities, too.
Bottom line: affirmative action actually affects all of us. Listen in to hear why.
What to listen for:
How the term “affirmative action” came to be - originally about race
When sex/gender was included in the plans, leading to White women being the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action
How affirmative action turned into a zero-sum game by twisting it to position White people (women) as victims
Reminders of the affirmative action program that supported White people first - the GI Bill
The SCOTUS case coming up that might undermine the benefits - given the composition of the court - of keeping policies in place that enforce diversity
Other episodes to listen to:
Why White People Should Care: The Women's Movement and Societal Systems
Why White Women Should Care: History, Science + Current Events
John Tateishi’s Conversation About Living in an Internment Camp
