OUR VIEW: Skin color should not provide rewards

The idea behind the College Republican’s Affirmative Action Bake sale had merit. The method of making their point needed some reconsideration, though. Tuesday, the Republicans set up a table selling cookies at various prices according to the buyer’s race. A white male, for instance, could buy a cookie for $2 while a black female would only have to pay 25 cents.

The group’s attempt at sarcasm may have been taken to an extreme and some students felt their attitude was immature and condescending. The point they are making, however, is a good one; any service, whether buying a cookie at a bake sale, enrolling in a university, or applying for a job, should not be a reason to give someone preferential treatment according to the color of their skin.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream was that one day men would not be “judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” When first put forth, the affirmative action ideals had a good foundation in providing jobs and services to everyone regardless of the color of their skin.

Lately, affirmative action has gone too far. Employers and universities, to name a couple of organizations, have certain standards or quotas regarding the race of the applicants. If they don’t meet these quotas, law suits may be filed and the organization will be looked upon with low esteem.

We understand it would be difficult to get rid of affirmative action all together, but steps need to be made to adjust for a more racially understanding community. In accordance with King’s dream, everyone should receive equal opportunities, regardless of skin color or gender.