3 ms·

How do you come to the conclusion that merit is evenly distributed?

• NovemberWhiskey 4y ago
  Well, the alternative is that merit is distributed in a racially uneven way. Is that your thesis?
  • hw-guy 4y ago
    The disproportionate representation of Asians at highly selective colleges is indicative that merit (judged by demonstrated academic performance) is distributed in a racially uneven way, isn't it? Or do you think there is some kind of discrimination in favor of Asians (and against other groups) at work? In actual fact, discrimination appears to be AGAINST Asians; otherwise their numbers would be even greater. This is certainly not to imply that there is anything inherently superior about people of Asian descent; I mean that the culture tends to strongly support hard work, education, and personal responsibility, all traits that lead to academic success.
    • NovemberWhiskey 4y ago
      >merit (judged by demonstrated academic performance) That isn't the definition of "merit" that these colleges are looking for. Demonstrated academic performance is a part of it, to be sure, but it's not the ballgame. e.g. https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/what-we-look https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/what-we-look
      • hw-guy 4y ago
        Whatever definition of "merit" you use doesn't change my overall point.
  • kodyo 4y ago
    My argument is that it's unjust to systematically cripple individuals' participation in hierarchies where they excel. Statistically, advantages along some dimensions are distributed unevenly across racial groups. That would predict differences in performance outcomes for members of racial groups within hierarchies where those advantages are selected for. Personally, I don't think "ability to get into Harvard" is a particularly useful life skill, but I know opinions differ and I'm OK with that.