Diversity and the Use of Affirmative Action

When considering the issue of diversity, originally, I would say that I was positively on the side of affirmative action. Yet, it was a concept I never truly had thought out. However, I have to agree that after reading an argument put forth by Shelby Steele against this idea, it actually may not be the best solution for all those involved, including the African American individuals it was created to help.

In Shelby's persuasive article, she made one very good point that the entire concept of "affirmative action" implies that the black individual, himself, cannot achieve a prominent place in society or accomplish their most prestigious goals. This assumption-that their own merit may be less than preferable when compared to others, based on merit alone-would certainly instill within them, or any individual for that matter, an inferiority complex. This, in turn, would promote valid reason for self-doubt. Whether consciously or unconsciously, it is almost inevitable that the message implied by affirmative action would result in this effect.

Further, I truly believe in the concept of "mind over matter". Undoubtedly, the self-doubt instilled by the affirmative action theory, could quite possibly create a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy or a negative cycle of events, in one's life. Surely, if you feel you may not be able to achieve a goal, you will be far less likely to actually achieve it, than if you were confident and employed the so-called "power of positive thinking". Whether an individual is aware of this or not does not matter. It is a proven fact that any undermining of the confidence, even if unconscious, is decidedly a factor in one' probable future success. I believe such would be the case with individuals whose self concept would be questioned by the employment of affirmative action.