Arguments Against Affirmative Action

In 1961 President John F. Kennedy introduced affirmative action as a response to the various struggles and setbacks faced by minority groups. For decades following the Civil War, the rights of African-Americans were blatantly disrespected and ignored. Discrimination against African-Americans and other minority groups prevented them from achieving the same level of success as their white counterparts. Even though they possessed strong dedication and willpower, minorities were still unable to break past barriers they faced solely due to their race and socioeconomic standings. President Kennedy introduced affirmative action with the hopes of leveling the playing field and giving minorities a chance to experience the same privileges and immunities offered to white Americans. Affirmative action helps disadvantaged people lacking many opportunities be able to advance where they otherwise could not.
Due to their socioeconomic status, many minorities have been unable to receive the same equal opportunities as those more fortunate. Socioeconomic …show more content…
Most people of underprivileged areas are looked down upon as uneducated and as stains on society. Affirmative action allows underprivileged people to showcase their true abilities. Since the implementation of affirmative action, the number of minorities attending higher level institutions has drastically increased. Quotas set in place by affirmative action programs have helped increase educational access for underprivileged groups. In the 1990s, the number of blacks enrolled in colleges reached a peak of 11.3 percent (“Affirmative Action”). Prior to affirmative action quotas, the percentage of African-Americans and minorities actually enrolled and graduating from college was at an all-time low. Affirmative action programs have increased minority participation in education, thus resulting in long-term socio-economic growth for various minority