Affirmative Action

12 Pages 3099 Words

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 discriminatio...