Affirmative Action

2423 Words5 Pages

As a Christian, I believe in trying my hardest to empathize with those in suffering and oppression to the best of my all to human ability. If I am honest with myself and God, more often than not I fail. My experiences in History 313: Black American History, have left an indelible impact on me. One of the ongoing themes in our readings, lectures, videos and discussions has concerned Christianity and the Black American experience. Thus, I thought it fitting to write this paper looking at affirmative action through a Christian perspective. Looking at affirmative action’s original intent and ultimate goals from a Christian perspective is extremely fruitful because it allows honest discussion to take place without fear of partisan bias or special privilege for one race over another, which in turn makes it easier to talk about practical solutions.

Before I say anything else, I would like to say three very important things. First, I am not African-American. Second, I believe all people are people. And third, I in no way, shape or form represent all Christian views on this topic. Speaking for all Christianity is beyond my ability no matter what the topic. My experiences are just like anyone else’s in that they are unique, but limited. Thus, I can only speak of being Christian personally in America. And even then, I cannot speak for all of American Christianity because I only know what it feels like to be an American Christian with German, Norwegian and Swedish blood running through my veins. However, if I employ empathy and compassion I can have at least some idea of the suffering that exists when it occurs to someone besides myself, especially since my own spiritual journey has been anything but smooth. And though ...

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...re much to big to be fixed by a short essay. As mentioned before I am not African-American. Thus, I do not consider my thoughts authoritative on this subject. Still, I believe that people, regardless of the color of our skin, our willing to do as Jesus did and forgive one another for past transgressions and replace hostility with love for the sake of a brighter future. James Baldwin urged his readers to, “Cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it.” In that spirit I close with a quote from a speech given by Robert F. Kennedy on the night that Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically and unnecessarily shot and killed.

Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.

Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.

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Affirmative Action