It seems to me that the tension between these two concepts has never been greater in the U.S. Indeed, social and political divisions are growing wider every day. The same fact or event is often perceived so differently that it becomes almost unrecognizable to the opposing side.
Undoubtedly, the Equality of Result has been in the ascendant, as continuing racial or ethnic achievement gaps have fueled more government programs and campaign rhetoric to combat "institutional" discrimination. My question is: Where will this all lead? There is no sign that these achievement gaps will be closed in the foreseeable future, so what are the social and political ramifications of perpetual dissatisfaction among increasing numbers of our population?
Will we become a vertically segregated society, where both governmental and business organizations will be required to set aside positions at every level in order to achieve a particular "diversity" ratio? This is not a rant against Affirmative Action; rather, it is a question of how we will deal with increasing resentment as these achievement gaps persist. Will we ever be able to return to the concept of Equal Opportunity?
Undoubtedly, the Equality of Result has been in the ascendant, as continuing racial or ethnic achievement gaps have fueled more government programs and campaign rhetoric to combat "institutional" discrimination. My question is: Where will this all lead? There is no sign that these achievement gaps will be closed in the foreseeable future, so what are the social and political ramifications of perpetual dissatisfaction among increasing numbers of our population?
Will we become a vertically segregated society, where both governmental and business organizations will be required to set aside positions at every level in order to achieve a particular "diversity" ratio? This is not a rant against Affirmative Action; rather, it is a question of how we will deal with increasing resentment as these achievement gaps persist. Will we ever be able to return to the concept of Equal Opportunity?