Why skin tones do not matter in affirmative action
By Mark Pruner
Published on Monday, February 19, 2007
To the Editor:
Nathan Bruschi '10 shows he has led a sheltered life with little exposure to real prejudice ("Affirmative Action Too Skin Deep?" Feb. 13). I am one of the people that he believes shouldn't be entitled to affirmative action. I'm a member of the Delaware Nation, but I'm sure he would think I look "white."
When I got out of law school I naively thought affirmative action would actually help me. I'll never forget applying for the job of assistant general counsel at a major defense contractor. The interview was going fine until the general counsel saw I had listed "Native Americans at Dartmouth" on my resume. He said I would get no special consideration for that when what he really meant was the interview was over. I told him I didn't expect any, but for all practical purposes the interview was over at that point.
I've heard squaw jokes in private clubs and had groups go silent when I joined them. The only business people that have ever responded favorably to my Native American status were human resources managers filling out equal employment opportunity forms.
For the true racist it doesn't matter what you look like; it's who you are. I may look white, but I'm proud to be a Native American.