Affirmative Action

Through the use of comedy, Chris Rock conveys the effects of systemic racism and the continued need for affirmative action. Mr. Rock makes several compments about the de-escalation of overt racism despite the continued presence of institutionalized racism.



Mr. Rock addresses the primary argument against affirmative action: "If you are the smartest and the brightest, then you won't need affirmative action." The reality is, blacks and minorities are confined by the social construct of race. Intelligence does not play a significant factor in determining whether a minority will succeed. Mr. Rock also makes a comment that "white people are gonna be alright." Many opponents of affirmative action fear its intent is to discriminate against white males. This is neither the intent, nor the effect of affirmative action.

Systemic Racism

The United States is the only country to be founded on slavery. Without racism, the United States would not exist today. For 340 years (88% of our history) the United States has had formal, explicit, and legal OPPRESSION of blacks and minorities. For 340 years (88% of our history) the United States has had formal, explicit, and legal PRIVILEGE for whites. Race is not biological, but socially constructed. Systemic racism is the theory that links the historical, institutional, cultural & interpersonal aspects of racism. Racism is not simply "tacked on" to society, but it is foundational and systemic. Race and gender discrimination has pervaded an array of major institutions including law, employment, housing, education, health care, and politics. Institutionalized racism often goes unnoticed because it persists even without conscious bigotry by its constituents. The goal of affirmative action is to counteract the effects of systemic racism.

Affirmative Action

Many opponents of affirmative action claim that its purpose is reverse discrimination. There are many who believe a "color blind" system is the best approach to eliminating discrimination. Unfortunately, many, if not all, institutions founded in America's history have been based on discriminatory practices. Even though the leaders of those institutions have changed over the years, the policies enacted by its founders still remain ever vigilant. To be "color blind" is to sacrifice and inhibit the gift of diversity that permeates thoughout the American culture.