James Walkingstick
Mr. Martinous
8 a.m. TR Comp. 2
February 23, 2017
Affirmative Action: The Pros and Cons of Discrimination Affirmative Action, the compensation to minority groups for discrimination, has been a controversial topic since its signing in by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This executive order has mandated specific guidelines for the incorporation of minority groups and women into education and the workforce. This purpose begs the question “How has Affirmative Action bridged the education gap for minority groups, and created a content, fair, and connected society for all of America?” To answer this question, multiple sources must be considered. Such sources in favor of Affirmative Action include “Race, Gender, and Affirmative …show more content…
Those in favor of Affirmative Action support that it gives equal opportunity to minorities and women, who have been put at a disadvantage by decades of discrimination. Those in favor also feel that diversity in college and the workplace is enhanced by requiring minorities and women, and find that this diversity is beneficial to student and occupational success. When it comes to the views of supporters, many of them find we still live in a racist and unfair society, which can be improved by Affirmative Action. However, those who oppose Affirmative Action contest that it interferes with equal opportunity by showing preference towards minorities and women, and therefore discriminates towards the majority. It is also thought that the goal of diversity by Affirmative Action plays no relevant role in the success of students, faculty, and employees. The views held by this group agree that the current system is not far from success, and though it may need help they find that Affirmative Action does not offer any potential help. Comparing and contrasting these differences is key to realizing whether or not Affirmative Action is accomplishing its …show more content…
Though the action’s goal is to provide equal opportunity to all students, many find that it instead discriminates against the majority. By showing preference towards minority students, the majority of white males feel they themselves are considered less important, and therefore suffer the same discrimination as the minority. The act of unintentional discrimination toward the majority is known as reverse discrimination. In response to this problem with Affirmative Action, an excerpt from John T. Bennett’s article in the Academic Questions journal states that “Anyone with a high school degree or equivalent can be admitted to some form of college or university. Therefore, public institutions are actually “open and available” to qualified people of all races without affirmative action” (Bennett 219). Since all students have a shot at attending college, it is not necessary for the government to mandate admissions of certain minorities for the sake of equal opportunity. Alternatives to the issue of helping minorities should be left to college preparation programs and federally funded programs, instead of relying on strict scrutiny from the
Mr. Martinous
8 a.m. TR Comp. 2
February 23, 2017
Affirmative Action: The Pros and Cons of Discrimination Affirmative Action, the compensation to minority groups for discrimination, has been a controversial topic since its signing in by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This executive order has mandated specific guidelines for the incorporation of minority groups and women into education and the workforce. This purpose begs the question “How has Affirmative Action bridged the education gap for minority groups, and created a content, fair, and connected society for all of America?” To answer this question, multiple sources must be considered. Such sources in favor of Affirmative Action include “Race, Gender, and Affirmative …show more content…
Those in favor of Affirmative Action support that it gives equal opportunity to minorities and women, who have been put at a disadvantage by decades of discrimination. Those in favor also feel that diversity in college and the workplace is enhanced by requiring minorities and women, and find that this diversity is beneficial to student and occupational success. When it comes to the views of supporters, many of them find we still live in a racist and unfair society, which can be improved by Affirmative Action. However, those who oppose Affirmative Action contest that it interferes with equal opportunity by showing preference towards minorities and women, and therefore discriminates towards the majority. It is also thought that the goal of diversity by Affirmative Action plays no relevant role in the success of students, faculty, and employees. The views held by this group agree that the current system is not far from success, and though it may need help they find that Affirmative Action does not offer any potential help. Comparing and contrasting these differences is key to realizing whether or not Affirmative Action is accomplishing its …show more content…
Though the action’s goal is to provide equal opportunity to all students, many find that it instead discriminates against the majority. By showing preference towards minority students, the majority of white males feel they themselves are considered less important, and therefore suffer the same discrimination as the minority. The act of unintentional discrimination toward the majority is known as reverse discrimination. In response to this problem with Affirmative Action, an excerpt from John T. Bennett’s article in the Academic Questions journal states that “Anyone with a high school degree or equivalent can be admitted to some form of college or university. Therefore, public institutions are actually “open and available” to qualified people of all races without affirmative action” (Bennett 219). Since all students have a shot at attending college, it is not necessary for the government to mandate admissions of certain minorities for the sake of equal opportunity. Alternatives to the issue of helping minorities should be left to college preparation programs and federally funded programs, instead of relying on strict scrutiny from the