Affirmative Actions in United States

Thesis Statement

I think Affirmative Action is a better way to obtain equality for all people in America.

Introduction

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. (Clayton 44)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.

Discussion

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 ...