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.