My Beloved World, by Sonia Sotomayor

IExperiencing gender inequality at CU reflected an ugly truth: The United States has not moved past discrimination! In uncovering, the country’s gruesome treatment of black women, I found that gender and racial discrimination overlap because they are simultaneously experienced. The United States has a long history of treating women unequally, especially black women. Before the enactment of the 19th Amendment, white women did not allow black women to join the Woman’s Suffrage Movement because of racial prejudice, and they feared that the government might dismantle the organization (Dumenil 2007). Fortunately, in 1920, women gained the right to vote through the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment. However, because most states in the country

In the reading “At the Elite Colleges” by Peter Schmidt the nature of admissions in top colleges was discussed in relation to class and race status. Schmidt states that affirmative action is often serving white populations of upper middle class females rather than those in minority races and ethnicities. This was a great relevant point, especially when considering why affirmative action was proposed and enacted in the first place. Affirmative action was created to serve those who are part of groups who had been quashed in some way by oppression. This stands in stark contrast. Colleges often make excuses for these undeserved admissions because, they are looking for future donors or are aiding an athlete. However, this is still inexcusable. On

Rodriguez's autobiography also portrays the social and economic problems with affirmative action for the "privileged" minority student. He reports, "In the late 1960s nonwhite Americans clamored for access to higher education, and I became a principal beneficiary of the academy's response, its programs of affirmative action" (143). Ironically, the author now regrets having been involved with (or forced into) accepting the "assistance" these programs offered: "For me there is no way to say it with grace. I say it rather with irony sharpened with self-pity. I say it with anger. It is a term that should never have been foisted on me. One I was wrong to accept" (143). Potential students from the lowest socioeconomic groups were not even considered by institutions of higher learning simply because the colleges only looked at the boxes checked on applications, and not the actual student's financial needs. The author explains, "Most blacks simply couldn't afford tuition for higher education. And, because the primary and secondary schooling blacks received was usually poor, few qualified for admission. Many were so culturally alienated that they never thought to apply; they couldn't even imagine themselves going to

In Danielle Allen’s essay, Our Declaration, she argues that all people should understand and recognize that the Declaration gives all people in the United States the undeniable freedom to self-govern. One person has the power to change the government; although this is not specifically stated, the freedom to self-govern implies every voice matters. She guides the reader to this idea by using simple and easy to follow examples to show the reader that they have the power to invoke a change the government. Allen also uses credible sources in order to give her reasoning credibility as well as using arguments that elicit an emotional connection.

Sonia Sotomayor is a women full of many talents and accomplishments. In her book, My Beloved World, Sonia reveals many people, circumstances, hardships, and successfulness. Sonia has embraces many characteristics in which I can relate. Successfulness, determination, and the importance of learning are all crucial elements that make Sonia into the inspiring woman she is today. Relating to Sonia Sotomayor throughout her book allowed me to remain intrigued in the book and helped apply concepts to my everyday life.

A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash definitely fits the category of “grit lit.” It is a novel about the Hall’s, a family who is wracked with grief, anxiety, and guilt after the ‘mysterious’ death of one of their sons, Christopher or Stump. The story encompasses more than just the story of the family though as it is told from the perspective of Adelaide Lyle, an old wise woman from the town, Jess Hall the youngest son of the family, and Clem Barefield, the sheriff of Marshall who also had heartache of his own that is intertwined with this families story in more ways than one. The novel incorporates most if not all of the features that is “grit lit” including: an element of crime, a focus on the bleakness of life, lyrical language, and a central character who wishes to escape their environment or get peace inside it.

Companies and educational institutions greatly benefit from the guidelines of affirmative action because they profit from the different ideas, work styles, and contributions unique to each diverse individual. As quoted in Paul Connors’s compilation, Affirmative Action, President of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger, addresses the importance of a diverse educational system by stating, “The experience of arriving on a campus to live and study with classmates from a diverse range of backgrounds is essential to students' training for this new world, nurturing in them an instinct to reach out instead of clinging to the comforts of what seems natural or familiar” (12-13). A statement by Southeastern Oklahoma State University further supports the idea that success in modern day society stems from diversity saying, “Our country is strong because of the rich diversity of our culture, not in spite of it” (Affirmative Action).

Abstract liberalism involves race related issues in the language of liberalism; whites can appear reasonable and moral, while opposing almost all practical approaches to deal with racial inequalities. “Racial ideology “laissez fare racism” or “competitive racism” or argue that modern racism is essentially a combination of the “American greed” with anti-black resentment.” (Bonilla-Silva, Pg.30) The author suggests that these principles are evident when discussing issues such as affirmative action, interracial relationships, neighborhood, and residential segregation. There’s an interview in the chapter where a college student named sue at SU, is asked; if minority students should be provided unique opportunity to be admitted into universities?

Madeleine L 'Engle was a fierce thought-provoking writer. She challenged me as both a believer and a writer. Her scatterbrained writing style was relatable to me and so were the things she talked about. She would have been a wonderful wise woman to grab a meal with. She did not shy away from controversial topics; but instead, she introduced them. In Walking on Water L 'Engle sought to share the freedom available to us if we allow Jesus Christ to break us free from our chains.

As a testament to the next discussion point of opportunities, especially within the realm of college admission, I have experienced firsthand the opportunities presented by affirmative action. As a low-income, first-generation college student, Virginia Tech had offered me a full scholarship based solely on merit and financial need. As a “minority” according to Virginia Tech, I had an

In Italy the statement arose that made many people step back and take a look at their lives. This statement changed how people today look at the others around them and that statement was, those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. This means if a person isn’t perfect then they shouldn’t treat others like they should be. Our society today knows what it means to judge or to be judged and that is why people are all living either in complete support of not judging people by their past or choices and those who live judging others for their mistakes. It is important to live by, not throwing stones when living in a glass house which can be shown through Judge Judy, Oprah Winfrey, “The Judgement Seat” and the presidential debate

Okonkwo from the book “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe and Roy Moore from the article “Who is Roy Moore?” by Mark Berman are both similar men due to the fact that they do not give up and that they are both men of action. Roy Moore was a man of action because he wouldn’t let the federal court over rule him and he did what was on his mind as he defied a federal judge more than one time as shown in the following quote by Mark “Moore is back in the spotlight this week for once again defying a federal judge.” This shows that he doesn’t care about the judge and will do whatever is on his mind and that he is a man of action and is not afraid of the consequences Okonkwo is also a man of action and was afraid of failure and weakness

For instance, a study conducted by Princeton University found that Asian-Americans were required to score substantially higher than other racial groups in order to gain admission to elite universities (Espenshade, et al. 2004). Other critics to this idea of saving, such as Lila Abu-Lughod, a professor at Columbia University, claim that they depend on and fuel a sense of superiority (Abu-Lughod). Such assessments pose the question: In what ways do the implementation of affirmative action policies in American universities negatively affect racial minority groups? An analysis of the cultural, social and futuristic implications of affirmative action reveals that race-conscious admissions do negatively affect minority groups. However, a shift towards a color-blind socioeconomic “compassionate action” would help to reverse these issues and allow for true

There are many supporters and opponents of Affirmative Action. The focus of Affirmative action is meant to be an attempt at equality throughout society. Every sector in America would be equal and unprejudiced. On the other hand, adopting affirmative action would force many employers to replace hard-working employees with those possibly less qualified simply due to their gender or ethnicity. Throughout history, people have been categorized into different groups based on how someone else viewed them. These groupings were based on certain characteristics people shared, whether it was their ethnicity, race, gender, or religion. Society is notorious for distinguishing among different groups and finding favorites or the one they feel most comfortable with or tolerant. This, separation of peoples undoubtably led to increased tension between various groups. Through the passing of time the conflicts intensified, and it became apparent that a change was necessary. I intend to educate the reader on the origin of Affirmative Action; how it impacted the American society; is it still needed in today’s environment; what are some of the drawbacks or issues that came from implementing Affirmative Action, and finally what is the most beneficial aspect from Affirmative Action. One of the most famous quotes about Affirmative Action comes from President Lyndon Johnson who explained the rationale behind the use of affirmative action to achieve equal

In “Arguing Affirmative Action,” Harvard professor Michael J. Sandel discusses the arguments that have arisen from the entry of affirmative action into practice. Affirmative action refers to admission policies, in this case put into effect by universities, that provide equal access to education for groups that have been historically excluded or underrepresented, such as women and minorities. In his essay, Sandel asks whether it is unjust to consider race and ethnicity as factors in university admissions. He expresses the argument that using race and ethnicity as factors are not effective in achieving the goals of affirmative action, and that other criteria such as economic class would help more students in need. I disagree with this argument and instead believe that it is just for race/ethnicity to be a factor in college admissions.