by P. Brisdaine

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: March 24, 2009

Affirmative Action by historical definition equates to bias hiring practices of one race or gender over another with the purpose of equalizing an employee base.

Having been professionally overlooked by my supervisors on more than one occassion, the last two times it occurred, I asked my supervisors what more I could have done to secure career advances. I happened to have worked for some time as a state employee and each time I was always told I was the most qualified and the most intelligent for the job. However, the jobs went to other candidates and it does become frustrating to a dedicated employee to be overlooked merely on race and or gender. I use my example because I happen to be a white male. The first time I was overlooked I had six years and a few college credentials under my belt directly related to my duties. I was interviewed and never called back. Instead, they hired a young black man with no college nor any relative experience. The second time it occurred, it was very similar. However, it was given to a white female instead of me. However, there was some humor to that one. I interviewed and was (again) deemed exactly what they needed. However, they did not expect a female to interview. She had just started working with us. Therefore she had zero employee history. She also had zero college. The decided on her over me. However, one day before taking the promotion, she had a change of heart feeling it would likely be too much of a demand and/or change on her lifestyle. I would be lying if I didn't feel some satisfaction it occured that way. I was asked to step up. However, I had already made advances in my career in other ways. I concentrated on not burning bridges. I had already accepted a different department position.

I give this example because most persons reading or hearing of affirmative action immediately think of the bias that occurs. Some people might say that I got a 'dose' of what blacks and women went through for decades. Even though society is supposed to be non judgemental based on race or gender. I find that unfortunate on so many levels. As a society we want the best police officers, soldiers, fire fighters and rescue persons. Affirmative action has simply reduced those high expectations so that less educated people have the 'right' to being employed. This favortism in affirmative action has in fact caused many problems we have today. I refuse to equate this to white or black or male or female. We all are one people. Americans. I was

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