Jared's use of Justyce as an example in his anti-affirmative action argument is racist because it dismisses Justyce's legitimate qualifications and merit, making an unfounded and unfair assumption that his success is solely due to his race, thereby reinforcing harmful and entrenched stereotypes about Black individuals.
This act reveals a deep-seated bias that undermines the achievements of Black people.
Devaluation of Merit and Achievement
One of the primary reasons Jared's argument is racist is his automatic devaluation of Justyce's hard-earned achievements. Rather than considering Justyce's actual academic record, character, and dedication, Jared immediately assumes that Justyce's acceptance into Yale is not based on his individual merit. This reflects a racist inclination to:
- Discount individual effort: Jared fails to acknowledge the rigorous work and intelligence Justyce put into his studies and applications.
- Attribute success to external factors: He reduces Justyce's acceptance to a systemic "handout" based on race, rather than a recognition of his capabilities.
Reinforcing Harmful Stereotypes
By using Justyce to argue against affirmative action, Jared plays directly into a harmful and long-standing racist trope: the idea that Black individuals are inherently less capable or intelligent and only succeed in competitive environments due to preferential treatment or lower standards. This narrative:
- Perpetuates negative perceptions: It feeds the false notion that Black students in prestigious institutions are less deserving or qualified than their non-Black peers.
- Undermines confidence and respect: It suggests that any Black person's success could be questioned or dismissed as unearned, fostering an environment of doubt and disrespect.
Ignoring Individual Worth and Effort
Jared's perspective is particularly racist because it completely overlooks Justyce's unique journey, qualifications, and personal attributes. He doesn't stop to consider that Justyce actually deserves to get into Yale based on his own merits. Instead:
- He reduces Justyce to a stereotype: Justyce becomes a mere symbol of a policy Jared dislikes, rather than an intelligent, deserving individual.
- He denies Justyce's agency: By attributing Justyce's success solely to his race, Jared strips him of his personal agency and the value of his own hard work and qualifications.
Rooted in Entrenched Assumptions
The core of the racism in Jared's argument lies in his entrenched assumptions about Black people. His readiness to conclude that Justyce's acceptance was race-based, without considering any other possibility, highlights a prejudiced mindset. This indicates:
- Pre-existing bias: Jared's mind is already made up about the capabilities of Black individuals, and he uses Justyce's situation to confirm his preconceived notions rather than challenge them.
- Unfounded and unfair conclusions: He makes the "unfounded and unfair assumption that he got in because of his race," demonstrating a willingness to jump to racially biased conclusions without any factual basis regarding Justyce's actual qualifications.
In essence, Jared's argument isn't about affirmative action's merits; it's a vehicle for his underlying racism, which manifests as a refusal to acknowledge the legitimate academic prowess and achievements of a Black individual.
