Put Some Respect On Her Name: See How Ashley Allison Gathered Her Fellow CNN Commentator On Air

Source: Brian Stukes / Getty

In a recent heated CNN news exchange on Affirmative Action and equity, Allison addressed another commentator, former Lt. Governor Betsy McCaughey, live on air. Allison had enough after the former legislator interrupted her (and others on the segment) several times and attempted to prohibit her from speaking.

“If you would let me finish, just because you talk so much doesn’t make you right, okay? A conversation is that you listen. You actually hear what somebody says, and then we have a discourse,” Allison said , directing her comments toward McCaughey.

“Just talking over someone doesn’t make your point any stronger,” she continued.

In other words, Sis had time on July 24, and we are so glad she did. Allison got her fellow commentator all the way together in the most epic way possible.

It was Ashley Allison’s educated ‘gathering’ on live TV for us!

The contentious conversation started as a debate on CNN’s NewsNight With Abby Phillips about several current topics, such as the presidential election, social justice issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion, and voting. Within minutes of jabs, opinions, and some shade-throwing, the dialogue quickly escalated.

At times, the segment got cringy.

Allison and McCaughey have varying thoughts on the definition of “equity.” Allison, who supports equity and fairness, believes equity means leveling the playing field for everyone. McCaughey, a White woman, disagreed.

Allison clarified her position while sharing how McCaughey herself may have benefitted.

“We know that there are people who are some disadvantaged, some white poor folks who are more disadvantaged than some people who are black middle class. We know that. But what equity is, is that,” Allison shared. “I will just say that White women are the ones who have benefited the most from affirmative action. So, maybe you’re sitting at this chair because somebody thought you deserve to have an equal playing field.”

Yes, Sis – repeat it for the people in the back! See part of the clip below.

We applaud Ashley Allison for clearing the room – we must speak truth to power.

The fiery exchange was not just a moment that needed to happen. T he timely dialogue also shed light on the truth about Affirmative Action, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and many social justice programs. Critics of these initiatives often take aim at the programming, saying that it unjustly benefits Black people and other people of color.

But as Allison rightly pointed out, this isn’t true.

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The fact is that the results of many of these programs have been quite the opposite. White women have benefited the most from Affirmative Action, which has led to their greater representation and opportunities for advancement.

As Essence reported, Affirmative Action has contributed to the increased hiring and promotion of White women in historically male-dominated fields. Studies show it has also contributed to higher education enrollment among White women. By 2012, more than two times the number of White women were enrolled in school as Black women (72% vs 35%, respectively).

When it comes to the pay, the gender gap remains for all women but is statistically better for White women. According to Pew Research , “while the pay gap narrowed for all groups of women from 1982 to 2022, it narrowed more so for White women than for Black and Hispanic women.”

While we applaud Allison for maintaining her position and clearing the room, we aren’t surprised. Whether defending what’s right or advocating against what is wrong, Black women often lead, own conversations, and change the course of many discussions.

So get ready, HB . From now until November, we have a feeling there will be several versions of gathering like this.

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