Jun
3
An Unfair Argument: Sonia Sotomayor’s Nomination
Tags: race, Sotomayor
Filed Under Uncategorized | By Rose Luna
The issue of cultural biases is normally met with much resistance. Exploring the implications and roles biases play in contemporary society is more often than not deemed unnecessary. The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court has caused a stir amongst critics. Suddenly and conveniently the role of cultural bias is front and center. On NPR last week, detractors attributed the potential role of cultural and ethnic biases as the basis for their apprehension to Sotomayor’s nomination. Sotomayor has argued that past Supreme Courts have voted to uphold race and sex discrimination, later found unconstitutional. Are the issues of cultural biases a legitimate concern or a unique perspective?
Gender and race are characteristics beyond our control. The focus on race and gender as an impairment is unfair and disturbing, but not surprising. In the past, arguments over the interpretation of the law were based on conservative or liberal tendencies. Is the debate regarding cultural/ ethnic biases surrounding the first Hispanic woman nominated for the U.S. Supreme Court the ultimate act of discrimination? Addressing the issue of biases in the work we do is important, however, as a trainer on this topic I am appalled at the context in which this concern has surfaced.
The implication that a woman of color’s perspective limits her ability to objectively interpret the law is troubling. The uncontested biases ascribed to white privileged males have historically plagued the judicial system. This newfound concern is artificial, insincere and ironic. The implications of a person’s perspective on a decision at that level and its effect on society have largely been ignored… until now. My question is, why now? Unfortunately, the answer is obvious.
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2 Responses to “An Unfair Argument: Sonia Sotomayor’s Nomination”
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Well put, Rose!
It is amazing to witness how people with the power of Senates, Justices, and broadcasters have made a circus out of an excellent choice as Sotomayor. I guess freedom of speech gets to be abused on situations like this. On stage one, we have those calling Sotomayor an Affirmative Action Extraordinaire, with a connotation that makes this law sound faulty, useless and illegitimate. Clearly then a law that was created to promote equality and ensure diversity on all levels of society was and is needed, as is the case of Sotomayor.