Intro
In this episode of “The Daily,” the focus is on Justice Clarence Thomas and his journey towards rejecting affirmative action. The episode explores Thomas’ upbringing in poverty, his experiences with discrimination, and his evolving views on racial preferences. It delves into his personal experiences and how they shaped his perspective on affirmative action.
Main Takeaways
Thomas’ Early Life and Experiences
- Justice Clarence Thomas grew up in poverty in Penn Point, Georgia, with his grandfather playing a central role in his life.
- He faced discrimination in the segregated South and was taunted during his time at a nearly all-white seminary.
- After Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Thomas abandoned his plans to become a priest and pursued a liberal arts education at Holy Cross.
Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement
- During the height of the civil rights movement, Thomas joined a student union for black students at Holy Cross, where he was inspired by the black power movement.
- At the time, he considered himself a liberal and black nationalist.
- However, Thomas began having doubts about radicalism and violent protests after attending a demonstration that turned violent.
Challenges and Doubts at Yale Law School
- Thomas felt tokenized by white students at Yale Law School and bristled against affirmative action policies.
- He took corporate law and tax classes to prove himself but felt that racial preference stigmatized his achievements.
- Thomas faced job market stigma due to being viewed as someone only admitted because of his race.
Professional Growth and Confirmation Process
- Thomas took a job in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and actively searched for cases to overcome the stigma of racial preference.
- He quickly rose in the conservative legislative world after joining Senator Danforth’s office as an aide.
- Despite trying to avoid civil rights jobs, Thomas was recruited to lead the EEOC, leading to questions about whether he was chosen for the color of his skin.
- The confirmation process for Thomas was marred by bombshell allegations of sexual harassment, leading him to call it a “high-tech lynching.”
Thomas’ Views on Affirmative Action
- Thomas opposes affirmative action and sees it as a negative thing that has diminished his accomplishments.
- He argues that affirmative action violates the 14th Amendment and stigmatizes black people and Hispanics.
- Thomas believes that large racial preferences in college admissions stamp minorities with a badge of inferiority.
- By striking down affirmative action, Thomas aims to remove the stigma for those who follow a path like his.
Summary
Clarence Thomas’ Journey and Opposition to Affirmative Action
Justice Clarence Thomas, who grew up in poverty in Georgia, faced discrimination and challenges throughout his life. Inspired by the civil rights movement, Thomas initially embraced radicalism but became disillusioned after witnessing violent protests. At Yale Law School, he felt tokenized and believed that affirmative action policies stigmatized his achievements. Despite these obstacles, Thomas actively sought cases to prove himself and rose in the conservative legislative world. His nomination to the Supreme Court was marred by allegations of sexual harassment, which he vehemently denied. Throughout his career, Thomas has consistently opposed affirmative action, arguing that it violates the Constitution and perpetuates a sense of inferiority among minorities. By rejecting affirmative action, Thomas hopes to remove the stigma for individuals who come from similar backgrounds and achieve success.
Conclusion
Clarence Thomas’ journey from poverty to the Supreme Court has shaped his views on affirmative action. His personal experiences and challenges have led him to oppose racial preferences, believing that they diminish individual accomplishments and perpetuate a sense of inferiority. Thomas’ stance on affirmative action has significant implications for college admissions and the opportunities available to minorities. By examining his journey, we gain insight into the complex and evolving perspectives surrounding affirmative action in America.
