To: letters@guardian.co.uk
Re: White middle class liberals place the "white man's burden" squarely on the shoulders of others
Date: Tue, 24 June 2003

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is all very well for white middle class liberals to take on with the enthusiasm and self-righteousness of an evangelist the "white man's burden" by backing positive race bias in favour of non-whites, thus demonstrating what splendid, moral people they are - only it is not them who actually have to bear it, but their poorer, less well educated, less intelligent, white brethren. Their children are far enough up the ladder (on which a good education can make up for a good deal of actual intelligence) not to have to fear loosing out in favour of a non-white of equal or lower ability. If they were, I suspect many would quickly change their tune and become recognisable as the moral bigots they are.

Were Jews helped through positive discrimination? No. On the contrary, they were discriminated against, but they still did well for themselves, and were resented but mainly respected for it.

Positive discrimination is as racist as negative discrimination and is sure to breed resentment and conflict for the future. Middle class liberals, of course, will point the finger of blame at "fascist" and "racist" elements, as they always do, refusing to face up to their own culpability.

(US supreme court backs positive race bias, 24 June 2003)