EDST 391-083
Color-Blind Nation: Worthy or Worthless Ideal?

• Chavez ("Just say Latino") {Mills book and ER}
• Dinh ("Multiracial affirmative action") {Mills book and ER}
• Krikorian ("Affirmative Action and integration") {Mills book and ER}

So far we have discussed affirmative action and other racial issues only in terms of black and white. These three readings bring other racial-ethnic groups into the picture. They also draw a distinction between what are sometimes called "backward-looking" and "forward-looking" reasons for color-consciousness, that is, between compensating particular groups for past injustices and promoting cultural diversity for the benefit of everyone.

1. Racial preferences are now extended, not just to blacks, but to a variety of racial-ethnic groups. How might this be a mixed blessing for blacks? (That is, identify the pros and cons for blacks.)

2. Proponents of racial preferences long justified them as a means of righting grievous past wrongs. Today, however, proponents often prefer to argue that race-conscious college admissions and hiring are necessary because they promote an invigorating, constructive multicultural diversity in schools, workplaces, and elsewhere.
   • How might this shift in rationale represent a shift in the vision of what America is or should become?
   • In your opinion, would this change in what America means or becomes be a good thing or a bad thing? Please explain.