“...sought to prove that Harvard had discriminated against Asian Americans, not to end the use of racial preferences in college admissions.”
Translation: I don’t want to stop government discrimination on the basis of race generally, I just don’t want to end discrimination against me personally.”
The past 6-7 years has taught me that the colorblind ideal from the 20th century was nothing more than a fantasy. Race is important to people, and I don’t think there is anything we can do about that. I’m afraid the US is destined to be perpetually embroiled in heated competitions for status and resources along racial lines. It will get even worse when whites develop a racial consciousness which I think will be inevitable as their numbers, and therefore their political power, declines. Buckle up everyone. It’s going to be one hell of a century.
Wesley, this is exceptionally good! I listened to the whole thing in the course of two recent runs, and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to stop and flag a particular observation. I'd never heard of Mortara before this podcast, and I'm no fan of the Federalist Society. But he's made me a fan. The autobiographical dimension of his work, which seeps slowly into this conversation, is critical: his time at UChicago in a mostly Asian frat; his comment about the older white woman at the bar who speaks about the less-than-scintillating "Asian personality"; his determination to create a better world for his children and the children of his friends. Your own dissection of the Harvard brand, about an hour in, made me laugh out loud, as did his confirmatory response. One helping of super brainiacs; another helping of black and brown seasoning; and a large helping of legacy kids--the first two categories, in essence, helping the institution stay on brand for the sake of the third group and the perpetuation of privilege that is a top priority. (The only thing I'd add, and your subsequent conversation evidences this, is that the three groups aren't mutually exclusive. Some of the black and brown kids are brainiacs; some have quite a lot of privilege.) Just an exceedingly interesing podcast for anybody who is genuinely interested in understanding the recent SCOTUS affirmative action decision--its historical precedents (Grutter), the relevant evidence ("Was this case lost in discovery?" you asked. Yes! was Adam's answer), and, critically, the way that the case, which began with a claim about anti-Asian discrimination in the 2018 case, ended up precipitating a SCOTUS decision that doesn't say all that much about Asians. Thanks so much for this.
Curious why Motara, whose approach has seemed so honest, needed to weigh in on Dobbs in such a disingenuous way: people are unhappy that 10,000 babies were born? Really? No, people are unhappy that women in many states are now FORCED to bear a child against their will and often against the better judgment of their doctors who are afraid to offer care when the woman is endangered. Jeez, what a way to undermine his authority — throwing out nonsense.
Around minute 1 hour 29 minutes, there is mention about Harvard's not wanting too many poor blacks (or anyone else poor). Despites that school's wealth.
Wasn't there an effort by Yale???? back in the 1970s to bring some very poor inner city black males to Yale and it was a behavioral disaster...or something. Anyone know about this?
“...sought to prove that Harvard had discriminated against Asian Americans, not to end the use of racial preferences in college admissions.”
Translation: I don’t want to stop government discrimination on the basis of race generally, I just don’t want to end discrimination against me personally.”
The past 6-7 years has taught me that the colorblind ideal from the 20th century was nothing more than a fantasy. Race is important to people, and I don’t think there is anything we can do about that. I’m afraid the US is destined to be perpetually embroiled in heated competitions for status and resources along racial lines. It will get even worse when whites develop a racial consciousness which I think will be inevitable as their numbers, and therefore their political power, declines. Buckle up everyone. It’s going to be one hell of a century.
Wesley, this is exceptionally good! I listened to the whole thing in the course of two recent runs, and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to stop and flag a particular observation. I'd never heard of Mortara before this podcast, and I'm no fan of the Federalist Society. But he's made me a fan. The autobiographical dimension of his work, which seeps slowly into this conversation, is critical: his time at UChicago in a mostly Asian frat; his comment about the older white woman at the bar who speaks about the less-than-scintillating "Asian personality"; his determination to create a better world for his children and the children of his friends. Your own dissection of the Harvard brand, about an hour in, made me laugh out loud, as did his confirmatory response. One helping of super brainiacs; another helping of black and brown seasoning; and a large helping of legacy kids--the first two categories, in essence, helping the institution stay on brand for the sake of the third group and the perpetuation of privilege that is a top priority. (The only thing I'd add, and your subsequent conversation evidences this, is that the three groups aren't mutually exclusive. Some of the black and brown kids are brainiacs; some have quite a lot of privilege.) Just an exceedingly interesing podcast for anybody who is genuinely interested in understanding the recent SCOTUS affirmative action decision--its historical precedents (Grutter), the relevant evidence ("Was this case lost in discovery?" you asked. Yes! was Adam's answer), and, critically, the way that the case, which began with a claim about anti-Asian discrimination in the 2018 case, ended up precipitating a SCOTUS decision that doesn't say all that much about Asians. Thanks so much for this.
Adam's emotions are making me emotional! This is a proud 4th for me. Cheers.
Isn't it clear that Harvard wants to avoid low SES students because it is in the business of prestige? This seems nearly tautological.
I’m exhausted by constant discussions about Harvard.
Curious why Motara, whose approach has seemed so honest, needed to weigh in on Dobbs in such a disingenuous way: people are unhappy that 10,000 babies were born? Really? No, people are unhappy that women in many states are now FORCED to bear a child against their will and often against the better judgment of their doctors who are afraid to offer care when the woman is endangered. Jeez, what a way to undermine his authority — throwing out nonsense.
Around minute 1 hour 29 minutes, there is mention about Harvard's not wanting too many poor blacks (or anyone else poor). Despites that school's wealth.
Wasn't there an effort by Yale???? back in the 1970s to bring some very poor inner city black males to Yale and it was a behavioral disaster...or something. Anyone know about this?