Segregation of the Congregation

"You can't save someone who wants to drown"

Positive discrimination is a touchy subject. So what happens when a group of educated young people, each with varying opinions, come together to discuss a topic which in one way or another influences their lives?

                                     

Dr.Onyeka Osuji opened the debate by sharing his views and continued to add his input, addressing both the panelists and the audience. His presence certainly added another dimension to the debate and kept the panelists on their toes.

The proposition began their argument smoothly, methodically laying down their points. Then the opposition presented the counter, opening with an intriguing poem ending in “segregation of the congregation” which scored them brownie points with some members of the audience. After both sides gave their closing arguments the floor was then opened up to the audience and what followed was an escalation of impassioned discussion peppered generously with good-natured laughter. The response from the audience was strong, at points getting very heated, but then again, what is debate without some heat?

Most of the questions were directed at the opposition, whose stand was that discrimination in any form can never be a good thing, because by discriminating in favour of one you always discriminate against another. With audience members heavily scrutinizing their argument, it was clear which side had the majority vote, nevertheless, they stood their ground and made strong points, suggesting that surely this notion of classifying people as 'disadvantaged' and therefore unable to help themselves unless helped by positive discrimination is rather archaic and doesn’t support the forward direction in which society ought to be going.

The proposition countered, arguing that, it was just semantics. They argued that though the word discrimination has negative connotations, when done well, positive discrimination as it was intended could be highly beneficial. Their point was well reinforced by one of the panel members who noted that 'Affirmative Action' doesn't simply apply to black people, but a large range of people including those that are living with a disability or are underprivileged. He also argued that he wouldn't be at one of the top Universities, or having the debate if he hadn't experienced positive discrimination himself. The opportunities that he has had the privilege of having would simply have been unimaginable if it wasn't for positive discrimination.

The debate was stimulating to say the least and no matter which side of the fence you were on, or whether you thought that both sides made good points, it definitely provided plenty of food for thought.

There was even an African proverb thrown in courtesy of Dr.Osuji: “You can't save someone who wants to drown” which I'm sure will be one for the grandkids when we are all old and wise.

ACS did an excellent job in picking up on an issue, which allowed room for healthy debate! Once again another great event by the committee! Thanks guys!

Naa Okantey