Kelly Smith Weblog Aficionado: Just a guy vs. Life

Does it help to have a White Name? This article seems to indicate that this statement is true. Whether it is true or not I have no idea, because statistical and research analysis can be manipulated to give us whatever answers we want to hear. However, I think that there may be some truth to this matter. On the whole we must first look at what exactly a name is. It is a syllable, or string of syllables that identifies us. When we meet someone in person this string of words follows a handshake, a scowl, or a smile...it identifies us, and later that name becomes synonymous with the attitude that people have toward us. Of course in the perfect world, the only way that someone forms an opinion about us is because of our actions. Do I think that it is justified that someone may want to interview a "D. Kelly" instead of a "Dedrick Khalil"? No, I don't think that it is justified at all, but do we all tend to do that sometimes. Think about the height of...

My stats: Black Male Registered Democrat 31 years old The subject of Affirmative Action is one that has been at the forefront of racial discussion for quite some time. To be honest and up front I see where a lot of deserving students are getting the shaft. Additionally I think that Affirmative Action, and what people call the "quota" system does a lot to darken the image that people may have of me. I was speaking with a colleague who said in so many words that he was surprised that he got his job because of the racial percentage requirement. This made me think that perhaps he felt that I was in my position because the system had "bounced" someone out of the way so that I could have a spot. I went to a State University on the GI Bill and attended a Historically Black College so I am fairly sure that I didn't take anyone's spot, but the notion does worry me here in the job market. If I had attended a college out of state and was jockeying for posit...