215: We’re Still Talking About Affirmative Action

With decisions pending in the two Supreme Court cases discussing the future of affirmative action, today we talk about all things affirmative action, including: where it came from, who the biggest beneficiaries of it have been (and if you know a White woman in this country, you’ll want to listen) if we still need it (yes), and what you’ll really need to know about where our society may be headed – because this not only impacts education but our companies and communities, too. Bottom line: affirmative action actually affects all of us.  Listen in to hear why.   What to listen for: How the term “affirmative action” came to be - originally about race When sex/gender was included in the plans, leading to White women being the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action  How affirmative action turned into a zero-sum game by twisting it to position White people (women) as victims Reminders of the affirmative action program that supported White people first - the GI Bill The SCOTUS case coming up that might undermine the benefits - given the composition of the court - of keeping policies in place that enforce diversity Other episodes to listen to:  Why White People Should Care: The Women's Movement and Societal Systems Why White Women Should Care: History, Science + Current Events John Tateishi’s Conversation About Living in an Internment Camp