We've been hiring more minorities lately, something I'm always uneasy about. I know a lot of people who have taken the firefighter exam, done quite well after months or years of preparation, then watched their dreams fizzle as affirmative action takes over.
I've also responded to calls with the first black female firefighter in Providence and seen the eyes of the little girls in the projects light up when they see her, possibly seeing for the first time that yes, anything truly IS possible.
My friend and partner from a few years ago, Renato can walk into any neighborhood in this city, talk the talk and find out what exactly is wrong, all while setting a fine example for some of the possibly troubled Hispanic kids that hang around these streets.
The other day I was sent on a call with "Tang," an Asian, tattooed monster of a man with a heart of gold and disposition of a comedian for a combative, out of control twelve year old who had defecated on the school gym floor and eaten it. We walked past a gauntlet of school teachers, psychiatrists, police officers and the vice principal toward our patient. I let Tang take the lead, he scares me, figured the kid would be petrified. Tang took a look at the patient, wrinkled his nose and simply asked, "did you wipe your butt?"
The kid shook his head no, stood up and walked with my partner out to the rescue, through the throng of people who just couldn't reach him. We took the little guy to the hospital, (he never did eat his shit) Tang led him to the rest room and waited outside while he cleaned himself up. I'm sure the kid has serious emotional problems and will act out again, but for now, that moment he found peace and understanding from a guy who looked like he just got released from prison.
Do I believe in affirmative action? I honestly don't know anymore.
Affirmitive Action
Saturday, May 23, 2009Posted by Michael Morse at 3:58 PM
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6 comments:
I personally have been up and down the eastern seaboard in order to secure a position as a firefighter paramedic, i am highly trained and somewhat intelligent but an Irish white guy has a better chance of giving birth than landing a job as a firefighter anymore.....
I swear to god, I delivered a baby in Rescue 1 at 1659 hrs this afternoon. Eight pounds, two ounces. Maybe it's a sign, keep trying, I'm an Irish Swede and somehow managed, affermative action was in full swing then as well.
Would they have had a good or better opportunity if affirmative action had not existed? We've got our first black president in the White House, and you see more interracial couples on TV without batting an eye. I'd like to think we've gotten past that. If it creates 'equal' opportunity over favoritism, I'd be for it.
Hello Derek, good to hear from you. I'm not sure, but I think they would not have made it without affirmative action. Ten years ago I was staunchly against the policy, now I'm not so sure. Some things reek of unfairness; minorities hired with me eighteen years ago who have the exact same pay and opportunity as me have kids and their kids get preference. Economic and social disadvantages are colorblind. Taking advantage of something is not.
Affirmative Action notwithstanding, I think that I would have responded to Tang, just based on your description of him. Definitely made me form a rather vivid mental picture...
Why does it have to come down to the color of someone's skin? Written Exam+ Physical Exam+ Interview=Ranking (#1 to the cutoff point).
I don't care what color or sex my partner/officer/driver/chief is. I care about their ability to make me go home to my wife & kid at the end of my shift. If a white guy can't do it, find me someone who can.
Stay Safe,
Medic@RN
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