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fubarobfusco comments on An attempt at a short no-prerequisite test for programming inclination - Less Wrong Discussion

4 Post author: ShardPhoenix 29 June 2013 11:36PM

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Comment author: fubarobfusco 30 June 2013 10:36:28AM 0 points [-]

The function of such tests was to invoke the grandfather clause — anyone whose grandfather could vote was not required to pass the test; thus, native-born whites were largely exempt.

(That is the original meaning of the term "grandfather clause", by the way.)

Comment author: pragmatist 01 July 2013 12:20:08AM 4 points [-]

Grandfather clauses were declared unconstitutional in 1915, so this particular test would not have a grandfather clause exemption.

Comment author: fortyeridania 30 June 2013 12:49:55PM 0 points [-]

The function of such tests was to invoke the grandfather clause

Are you sure? The Slate article did not mention that as the function. According to the test:

This test is to be given to anyone who cannot prove a fifth grade education.

The Slate article doesn't mention grandfather clauses either, instead saying:

The literacy test—supposedly applicable to both white and black prospective voters who couldn’t prove a certain level of education but in actuality disproportionately administered to black voters—was a classic example of one of these barriers.

Comment author: fubarobfusco 30 June 2013 09:17:24PM 2 points [-]

The Slate article did not mention that as the function.

The Wikipedia article I linked discusses this; this one mentions Louisiana's literacy test specifically.

The tests were never intended to verify mental competence or education; the grandfather clauses make this clear. Their purpose was to provide a pretext for disfranchisement of former slaves and the descendants of slaves.

Really. The past sucks.

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake."

Comment author: fortyeridania 06 July 2013 01:28:28PM 0 points [-]

Oops. You are right.