Posted on 03/22/2008 2:13:39 PM PDT by flowerplough
Question: (excerpted)
When does affirmative action end and reverse discrimination begin? Twenty-plus years ago, the fire department I work for was mostly made up of white males. (Now,) our recruitment office is predominantly minorities or women. The training academy also has a high percentage of minorities. I believe this helps get minorities interested in the job and helps them through the academy. This is a good approach.
However, are they hiring the best people for the job? The hiring process consists of a series of written and physical tests. Applicants used to be graded on how well they did in each area. Now the test is a pass/fail. The applicants that pass are all equal. The recruitment branch can pick whoever they want. Most minorities are frequently called back and rushed through the process in less than a year. If a white male gets hired, it often takes two years. When 90 percent of the applicants are white males and they make up less than half the current hires, are they not being discriminated against?
Answer: (excerpted)
The second part of your e-mail involves hiring rates. In my opinion, redress of past injustice benefits the total society. In the case of your fire department, diversity will increase your talent pool by providing access to those who had been discriminated against. There are generational benefits. For example, the New York City Fire Department is 79 percent white and 8 percent women. The city population is 44 percent white and 52 percent women. Mathematically, the fire department cannot have the best-qualified people working for them. Traditionally, however, the jobs have gone to certain neighborhoods, and then passed from father to son. This is fine, but you increase the chance of higher-quality firefighters by spreading the wealth (given that all people/talent are equal).
(Excerpt) Read more at diversityinc.com ...
Tell it to the NBA, Luke. Or to NASCAR.
‘Affirmative Action’ and ‘Reverse Discrimination’ are both very vile forms of discrimination and neither should be tolerated. We no longer live in the 50s or 60s. Every form of these abominations should be eliminated.
“For example, the New York City Fire Department is 79 percent white and 8 percent women. The city population is 44 percent white and 52 percent women.”
Maybe a lot of women don’t WANT to work for the Fire Dept.
So when my building is on fire and I need to be carried out do I want some big male (typical or not) who did high on his physical exams or some little woman who barley passed a lowered standard physical exam? Who is best qualified to save my butt? Mathematically the author is an idiot.
If we want a society free of racial discrimination, then we need to stop discriminating against people based on race.
It so unbelievably simple. Isn’t it?
I always ask that when people make big deals out of that category of observation.
In regards to the Fire Department, thankfully, I don’t think Arkansas has the problem that the man in the article has. Most of the departments I’ve been to(and am testing at) are mostly staffed by white males.
Why don’t you set the example for the rest of us, Luke, and give up YOUR job in the name of “diversity”?
In your sick mind, it’s always about someone else’s ox, never your own.
Sometimes common sense isn’t so common.
There is no such thing as reverse discrimination.
Amazing, isn’t it? I’m a woman and I don’t question but that a predominantly male fire-fighting force is likely the best. But I want that brawn to have some smarts, too, and an everybody-pass written test isn’t gonna cut it any more than an everybody-pass physical test.
It is simple but if we really were free from racial discrimination it would only highlight the truth and accuracy of the Bell Curve.
...the New York City Fire Department is 79 percent white and 8 percent women. The city population is 44 percent white and 52 percent women.
When a 120 pound woman can carry 80 pounds of hose up a ladder just as fast as a 200 pound man can carry it, then you'll have two equally qualified people for the job.
I’m sheltered somewhat from the street, but my last boss was black, very smart, and very conservative. He makes a very good living, oh, and he’s a Navy Vet.
It’s a trick question. They’re the same thing.
Once I get to know people, I frequently change my mind — it’s just that affirmative action create a pre-conceived notion that a minority person is less qualified.
About 20 years ago.
I understand and that’s why I said it. Across the board affirmative action tells the minority I can get this based on status and not skill. It perpetuates a class.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.