The Orbis

A radical reframing of the affirmative action question is crucial to the realization of real equality among all Americans. Real equality has little to do with wealth or status. Instead, equality is a function of mutual respect and affirmation. In the fight for mutual respect, we must recognize that the debate is inexorably framed in the American value system. That is, if you want to achieve equality in America, you must do it the "American" way, regardless of who you are, where you come from, or where you want to go.

Consider the following: America is the most ruggedly individualistic state in history. As Americans, we are socialized into a (classically) liberal society advocating, even worshiping, self-reliance. As the story goes, times get tough, but the tough survive. If prosperity and success is your goal, the story we hear demands hard work. If your situation is bad, if you have been passed by, deal. This is the only true, the only fair, the only right path to successful self-fulfillment. Furthermore, reliance on others, especially the government, offers immediate alleviation, but reinforces a dependency that cheapens individual potential. Therefore, rely on none other than your own sturdy back and hardy spirit. You are American, and you will realize the dream only by self-reliance. Unfortunately, some may fail. But if you are indeed worthy, fear not as you are destined to succeed. This rationale is an innate frame that Americans look through. For better or worse, it pervades our unconscious national soul.

To be sure, affirmative action activists have a noble cause. This struggle, however, is an unprecedented attempt to change, even to reverse, key components of the American ideology. This ideological soul animates the national body, and for this reason alone, the hand of affirmative action faces staunch opposition.

This underlying story undermines the important redress of real injustices. But affirmative action is haunted by the value of self-reliance. Consequently, if minorities are to ever gain real equality in America, they must obtain it within the American ideological system. True equality is not measured in money, prestigious social positions, or university matriculation. Equality can only be realized by conforming to the American ideology. Affirmative action has spearheaded the drive to eliminate the measurable components of inequality. Yet, the sad reality is that this method of redress will undermine full equality. Affirmative action implicitly posits that minorities are incapable of functioning within the American value system. Clearly, this sort of logic is dead wrong, but equality will not appear if we have one group acting in the traditional system and the other groups acting in a mutated non-traditional American system.

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