Term paper on Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action Essays
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Affirmative action is a term used to describe federal initiatives that require people responsible for providing economic and educational opportunities to consider a candidate's race, sex, or disability, especially if the individual's minority affiliation has suffered past discrimination. It has done an incredible favor by allowing opportunities for those who have been historically denied equal opportunity. Affirmative action was not intended to be a quota system, but has been abused by administrators--particularly those who are opposed to it. Affirmative action is a question of morals. The simplicity to form two morals that are both correct but conflicting is the reason for the division of America on affirmative action. It is thought that one takes a side in the issue of affirmative action; they are either for or against the issue. However, I hold a neutral position in the debate. I can identify with both perspectives on this topic. Not only does affirmative action deal with discrimination because of race or sex, it addresses discrimination as a whole.
Affirmative action is a growing argument among our society. It is multifaceted and very often defined vaguely. Some can define affirmative action as the ability to strive for equality and inclusiveness. Others might see it as a quota-based system for different minority groups. Is affirmative action fair? Are minority groups on equal footing? Is gaining employment for minorities difficult? Is education easily obtained for the minority groups of people? Affirmative action pretends to answer all these questions, while allowing society to believe harmony exists. AA has provided many opportunities for minorities in America. It has taken thirty years to finally show minorities in greater numbers getting accepted to more colleges, and having more job opportunities and less limitations. But I also feel that it is lacking in some aspects. In a way it has had an impact of some reverse discrimination among all Americans; the problem still exists as a ongoing battle. It forces colleges and business to adhere to quotas, still discriminating against the best-qualified individual- whoever they may be. I think there may be a better way to obtain equality for all people in America. And that is why I choose to remain neutral in this discrepancy (Ladies.35)
It is difficult for me to choose a definite side. Because of affirmative action being present, the government has introduced quotas and criteria in considering job applicants and on college applications. In a sense, that lowers the standards for all the other qualified non-minorities who apply. However, without affirmative action, I feel that by some subliminal discrimination, the number of minorities may significantly decline.
This is because all people are guilty of some form of discrimination- whether we realize it or not. Twenty years ago, women could not have held some of the jobs or had the opportunities available for us today. But a woman will still receive lower wages to a man holding her same job (Ladies 36). This is encouraging to me, yet discouraging at the same time.
Racial differences are also an issue. From my own personal past experience, I had a friend that worked for a man who owned a restaurant. By no fault of her own, she could not get to work on time one day. When she called to let her boss know the situation as to why she would be a little late, the man told her not to bother coming at all. I can't help but feel that because she was black, she was discriminated against. However, my friend may have been fired for other reasons as well. It is one thing to deny someone the right to a job because of their physical or mental disability; some individuals simply cannot do the work that is offered. But when there are no prominent disabilities, one does wonder why people act the way they do toward anyone whose appearance looks different.
Since being introduced to the college life, I’ve become more accustomed to the diversity, especially in UB. Growing up in Puerto Rico, racism was not something I was brought up to seriously thinking about; I was not told or brought up to have preconceived notions about anyone who was different. But viewing a vandalized bulletin board, (when I moved to USA) filled with racist comments made the issue more of a reality for me, not just something I'd read about in textbooks and newspapers. Now looking back, I can see how I may have been subjected to sexism in a slight way, even in my own country.
Affirmative action was never designed to relieve poverty; however, the opportunity for professional advancement undeniably provides a better life style for minorities and women. Despite the positive results of 30 years of affirmative action, it is still under attack by whites and even by blacks and other minorities--those who would benefit the most from it, wants to abolish it. It might need some tweaking or transformation, but abolishment is not the answer. Some have suggested the program should shift to a class-based program, but classes and race are already engraved in this society--I don't think we can separate that. Though we would all like to think that America no longer needs affirmative action; there are at least three reasons that this well-meaning program should remain public policy.
The first reason that affirmative action should remain a policy in this country is racism. Though many white Americans embrace the progress of minorities and women, many still hold on the old "Jim Crow" ideologies. One example of racism is the blatant recruitment practices by extremist groups such as the "Skin-heads" and the old "Ku Klux Klan". These organized racist groups are using new technology (The Internet) and some of the old tactics (rallies and terrorism) to pollute the minds of the American youth. Another example of racism is of the covert variety. This variety uses demographics to screen potential employees. Since most of our cities are still segregated by race and/or ethnic neighborhoods, it is very easy for employers to identify or "weed out" individuals by a mere address alone. Identities are also obtained from ethnic speech patterns.
The second reason affirmative action should remain public policy is based on simple human nature. One example of this is explained through sociological research-- in that people have a tendency to surround themselves with those whom they most identify with. This applies to race, sex, and ethnicity. The presence of affirmative action serves as a reminder that Americans should have "inclusion" or "cultural diversity" as a goal. This is the only way we will actually achieve peace and tranquility. Another example of human nature that hinders equal opportunity is racial ego
The third reason that affirmative action should remain public policy is political denial. One example is a speech by one of our nations leaders, former Vice President Bob Dole… "Let me now forgive us… Slavery was before we were born…must future generations continue to pay the price for ancient wrongs?" (R. Wilkins, p. 344:19).
This kind of rhetoric demonstrates that some white Americans deny that there is still a racial problem in this country--this attitude suggest that affirmative action should remain. Another example of a politician in denial was by House Speaker Newt Gingrich. According to the Washington Post…"Gingrich dismissed the argument that the beneficiaries of affirmative action (blacks), have been subjected to discrimination for centuries…and that the Irish were discriminated by the English." (R. Wilkins, p. 335:23). Given the nature of these denials from our leaders, minorities are still subject to discrimination. "People who forget the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat those mistakes in the future". (Unknown famous quote).
In my opinion, even if I am neutral, it would be a great mistake to abolish the affirmative action program. The attitude by politicians, racists, and plain old human nature provides solid reasons why affirmative action should remain public policy--maybe forever.
Now understanding the some events that affected the public opinion about affirmative action, I can proceed in the discussion of what affect this has had on public opinion today.
A few years ago, California's government was debating Proposition 209, an article that states: "The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting." The state voted as to whether or not to do away with affirmative action altogether. It was a controversial issue in that one can easily see how it could or could not benefit society. One view was that it would make society blind to that which makes us all individuals and American citizens: ideally uniform all Americans in the eyes of the law. The opposing view was that it would terminate programs created for minorities, and that the proposition creates excuses that will continue discrimination against women. I can identify to the points made in both arguments. Proposition 209 was a reminder to the country that discrimination still takes place, and is an ongoing problem. It is necessary to understand where these viewpoints come from. American former presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter took great pains to further the notion of equality among all American citizens. Ford extended affirmative action to veterans and...
1. "A Question of Fairness" Ladies Home Journal. March 1996.2. Boston, Thomas. "Ready, Aim, Fire". Black Enterprises. March 1995.
3. Chappell, Kevin. "What They Don't Tell You About Affirmative Action” Ebony. August 1995.
4. Cooper, Matthew. "Affirmative Action on Ever-Thinning Ice". Rolling Stones January/February 1995.
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