Originally Posted by
Herkdrv
I think the original question was should affirmative action be allowed in the airline industry? I don't think it should and here is why. Affirmative action is supposed to give an advantage to people who otherwise would be at a disadvantage. How are minorities at a disadvantage by the time they get to the airline interview? They have equal hours and qualifications as the rest meaning they have attended college, flown in the military, build up hours as a CFI/commuters, and other requirements that prove they have made it in today’s society. Just because you don't get called for an interview right away, or did not interview well does not mean the employer is racist and we should give you the job no matter what. Some kids are at a disadvantage. I don't live in a bubble and realize there are people that need help. Big brother/Big sister, and after school programs are excellent ways in which to contribute. Oh and before you label me as someone who "doesn't get it" I did not live in this country nor spoke English until I was 11 years old. I know from personal experience that hard work, dedication, and a dream will always get you far in this wonderful land of ours.
Herk
Not entirely correct. Pre 9/11, most minorities had about ONE HALF the flight times of white males, many with no PIC. Had they elected to actaully go through the upgrade process and suck up a potential substandard QOL as a junior CA to build competitve PIC time (in the case of a regional pilot) your statement would be true. Many chose to use AA (OBAP, the 99's, WIA, ect) and circumvent or fast track their way to a major. Sorry, but that is a FACT.
If anybody wants to dispute this, look at UAL's theortical interviewee selection process versus what their real world process was. Had UAL stuck with their system, the pilot demographic there would be ALOT different. BTW, in theory, UAL would have had the most fair, un-biased, non-descriminitory method of hiring pilots. Race/gender would never be an issue. Imagine if they ACTUALLY went by it.
If you have a short memory or are unfamiliar, educate yourself on UAL's pre 9/11 application process before posting an ignorant, emotional, knee-jerk response.