Affirmative

Interesting news out of India this week that the Supreme Court has ruled to extend quotas for universities based on "class, race, religion or economic circumstance."

This ruling has received criticism for legitimizing and even legalizing the caste system, which has long been abolished in India. In order to give advantage to people from "backwards" castes, one must define "backwards," and in the process enforce prejudices that are illegal.

When Ellen and I were there this past winter, we clearly saw evidence of a hierarchical system of people. It's very clear and open. I thought of comparing it to the U.S., and our varying levels of historic economic and racial segregation. I'm sure the two countries' forms of discrimination vary greatly, but would be interested in reading a comparison if anyone knows of a good one.

On that note, I think it's interesting to compare the Indian view of "affirmative action" with regards to the caste system as compared to what the Democratic U.S. presidential candidates said last Thursday during the Philadelphia debates. While I haven't decided for whom I will vote come November, I found the answers similarly contested. Should affirmative action be enforced and hence a form of legalized discrimination? How should it be defined if so? Should our focus rather be on reaching the less fortunate much earlier in life?

-dr-