Asian-American Students and Affirmative Action
The underlying ideology behind affirmative action is that minority groups in the United States that have historically been discriminated against should be given the opportunity to repair the adverse effects of that discrimination. Affirmative action creates the opportunity for minorities to develop the education and skills necessary to compete in America. At its inception, its need was obvious. However, its necessity has been questioned of late due to the success of certain minority groups and the arguably adverse effects on groups not protected by its policies. Asian Americans represent a group that falls into both of these categories. This paper addresses the issues surrounding Asian-American admissions to American universities in light of issues raised by Derrick Bell's analysis of civil rights issues in his book And We Are Not Saved.
In his study of civil rights issues in the United States, Bell approaches his subject through a blend of fact and fiction that allows for a thorough analysis of the issues he discusses. Bell uses the fictional character of Geneva Crenshaw to develop a series of Chronicles that raise civil rights issues currently under discussion. Through the Chronicles, Bell is able to create a scenario that addresses the issues with greater clarity. They also allow for a dialogic discussion that keeps the reader enthralled longer than would a straightforward narration and discussion of the issues.
Chapter 6, titled "The Unspoken Limit On Affirmative Action" deals with the ceilings on the admission of minorities under affirmative action (Bell 140). The chapter begins with Geneva's narration of her experience as the first black law professor at a major law school. After she is hired, Geneva is visited by Mr. DeVine Taylor. He offers her the "DeVine Gift," which is help in some way other than a cash contribution (Bell 141). Geneva asks that Mr. Taylor...