If they are not directly affected by the discrimination they may not be in the best position to identify the discrimination and challenge it. It can also be difficult for observers to notice patterns of discrimination between groups. Studies have shown that only when these differences where pointed out did they observers notice what was going on and then attempt to make amends (Iyer, 2007).
In looking at the composite of voters for the state of Colorado, those most likely to vote for the End Affirmative Action measure would be: white women that are between the age 30-64, who hold post graduate degrees. Those that would be most likely to vote against it would be: white males who are between the ages of 45-64, who have college degrees. In looking at the composite of voters for the state of Nebraska, those most likely to vote for the End Affirmative Action measure would be: white females between the ages of 40-49 with a high school education. Those that would be most likely to vote against it would be: white males between the ages of 18-24 with a high school education.
When you look at the composite profile of the voters in Colorado you can see that based on these trends the majority of white, educated women in this state do not feel that Affirmative Action policies are still needed in today's society. Looking at the state of Nebraska it is also apparent that the majority of white women do not feel that these policies are still needed. By passing these measures these people were in a sense saying that they did not feel that preferential treatment should be given to any one group over another. They feel that people should be judged and treated based upon their individual qualities and performances. These voters feel that the current Affirmative Action laws are doing more harm than they are doing good.
I'm not sure...
I think that in a predominately black state you might find a completely different outcome. Also you might find a different outcome is more populated states as well. Colorado and Nebraska are not as highly populated as many other states. There are many values that would have to be taken account in trying to predict how the ending of Affirmative Action would be accepted across the country.
Discrimination has been a problem in this country for a very long time and Affirmative Action laws were put into place in order to try and alleviate it. Unfortunately the very thing that these laws were developed to eliminate seems to be being caused by them as well. Discrimination is a bad thing and we should do whatever it takes to rid our society of it. But we cannot continue to do things the same way that we always have if those things no longer work. People should be seen as whom they are and not by what gender they are or what race they are. These are trivial things that should not be taken into account when people are trying to get jobs or have access to educational opportunities. People should be judged for who they are and not what group that they belong to.
The new push to end Affirmative Action laws is one way that people are trying to change the way that things are being done. There is an attempt to right past wrongs by putting into place new ways of doing things. The hope is that all discrimination practices can be eliminated and that each person can be treated fairly and equally in respect to everyone else.
Works Cited
Iyer, Aarti. "Affirmative Action: Psychological Data and Policy Debates." 2007. University of Exeter. 15 March 2009. www.ercomer.eu/downloads/seminars/2007may.ppt
