Affirmative Action

Barry Bearak and David Lauter’s three-part series regarding affirmative action (Nov. 3-5) was interesting and thought-provoking. Biases crept through at times, particularly with the use of the term “reverse discrimination.”

Discrimination exists--or it doesn’t--in any particular occurrence. What is “reversed” at times is our ability to detect and label discrimination. When an apprenticeship is denied due to the applicant’s whiteness, or court orders are defined by the respondent’s maleness, discrimination is occurring. We prefer to see white males as the one and only non-special population, hence unqualified for victim status. The word equality implies equitable norms shared by all parties involved. Movement toward that ideal cannot be realized by legally enforced selective discrimination.

JAMES A. KRUSE, Bakersfield