Advertising minority achievement: Good or Bad?

If society was actually equal, it wouldn’t be such a big deal, but we do have to advertise positive role models everywhere, especially in places where they might not be as prevalent.

This is why some people are so upset that we advertise people that aren’t intellectual achievers and instead give the impression that it’s ok to be an ignorant socialite on TV or something.

IMHO, race will continue to be an issue for as long as we continue to make it an issue.

Frankly, I think that this sort of recognition does more harm that good on multiple levels.

Firstly it implies that “minority” (wherever the heck that is) students are somehow less capable than the rest of the population and should be given extra accolades for the same achievement.

Secondly, (and perhaps more importantly) the sooner we stop including race as a differentiating factor in everything, ranging from the example you cite to hiring and admission practices that discriminate based on race in the name of “leveling the playing field”, the sooner we can achieve Dr. Kings dream where we are all judged by the depth of our character rather than the color of our skin.

I understand the point you’re making. I think that it’s not hurting race relations, though. It’s bringing to the forefront the fact that there are racial disparities and racism and that it is harder for people of color to achieve given systemic inequalities. But, yes…if I accomplish great things, I don’t want it said that I’m the first woman this or that…not only because I don’t identify as a woman, but because even if I did, that wouldn’t be why I’d be proud.

“You’re good…. for a black.”

“You’re good…. for a Californian.”

“You’re good…. for a singer… a ditch digger…. a hick.”

I dunno. A lot of times, that’s all that really matters, because we don’t compete anywhere other than in a small pond of our own kind.

Who cares about what group you are comparing yourself to? Unless you’re in the large group and you stand out even there.

Then again, is the test a valid measure of excellence? How much does it matter? Does it matter in the long run? And the people who score well—do they even recognize this, given their awareness of the world? When I was 16, I was a national merit scholar and I thought nothing of it. It didn’t seem special to me. 40 years later, it’s a little late to begin thinking maybe it was special. Maybe if I’d thought something of it, I wouldn’t have had some of the problems I had.

I really don’t care how people say they are special. I don’t think saying you’re special for blue-footed fen-dragon diminishes your achievement in any way. That’s because it both is and isn’t an achievement anyway. It’s just a test. You’re special because you’re special. Everyone deserves some recognition. This just happens to be yours. Enjoy it while you can. There probably won’t be much more of it. And if there is, great!

So go for it! Take every chance you get to be special. There aren’t going to be a lot of them. Anyone who says it doesn’t mean anything is just a party pooper. When you do have your party—make sure to wear a funny hat! That is the best part of being special!