Minority rights

particularly in ways that favor majorities and harm minorities. While I think the greater possibility of biased constitutional interpretation by legislatures is harm enough, I add the point about minorities to reveal the potential damage of allowing partisan politicians to interpret a document meant “to declare principles that stand above every earthly power—the equality of each person…and the responsibility of government to secure the rights of all.” Lawmakers, being democratically elected,…

According to ushistory.org, America’s 1776 Declaration of Independence stated that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” (2014). For many seeking to gain freedom, overcome oppression, and achieve the American dream, this country has been a place of refuge. It is currently the year 2015, however, and it seems that many Americans have begun to question the American dream. Most question…

This approach says that the decisions in court cases reflect the majority (white) in the United States and that the minority groups are underrepresented and do not receive the same benefits as the majority group does. This view is seen more so in the beginning of the nation when slavery was recently ended and many still felt that the white males deserved the most respect and rights. In a more recent case State v. Gorman where an African American male was charged with armed robbery “the state…

that teach them socially acceptable behaviours (Adams-Bass, Bentley-Edward, Stevenson, 2014). As discussed before, the media not only has the ability to shape the way in which the white majority perceives and understands the realities of racial minorities, but it can also influence African American youth’s understanding of stereotyped images in the media. Studies show that African American youths experience adolescence in the context of culturally stereotypical black media representation…

writing to you to address a majorly controversial topic, Affirmative Action. I would like to ask you the question, do we all have equal opportunities? The answer is too often no from minority students. Affirmative Action is a popular debate that has to do with colleges and workplaces letting in more women and minorities. I am going to argue that Affirmative Action should stay legal and should be allowed in more cities and companies. It gives everyone an opportunity at a higher education and it…

The LGBT movement is poised to be a much larger, vocal advocate in all arenas. Vaid (2012) looks at the importance of giving voice to LGBT issues and moving past the individual wins such as the right to marry and on to much larger social justice focused issues. Vaid points out that striving for legal equality and challenging biases in such things as school discipline is the next step in the movement. The article also points out that “queer activists…

purpose of creating a more diverse country. This policy came about in the 1960s, as a result of the 1960’s Civil Right Movement. It is a way for minorities or historically discriminated ethnic or racial groups to get an advantage in society, however some people see affirmative action as reverse discrimination or racism. Affirmative action benefits previously mistreated groups or minorities when trying to get in accepted into a school or trying to get a job. For example, you might be an…

equality? Racial inequality is extremely prevalent in the workplace, even if it may not be as common as it once was. The concept of racial inequality within the workplace covers several things, such as the difference in wages and the percentages of minorities hired. This topic was chosen as it is something that seems to still be a large issue in our society, if not even more so due to the fact that there seems to be a common misconception that it is no longer an issue. Racial inequality within…

probably the most established contemporary civil rights activist, once said, “How do we make things fair?” This enquiry is important today because things really aren’t fair. Although America has progressed very far when it comes to racism and discrimination, it still has a long way to go. Affirmative action policies are essentially used to combat long term racial failures and promote equality. These policies are aimed to increase the proportion of minorities and women in jobs and educational…

and Fisher vs. The University of Texas. Some people believe affirmative action is needed because it increases the number of underrepresented minority acceptance, leads to diversity in higher education, and eliminates racial disparities that persisted in the past (qt. in Hultin). Alon further discusses the importance of affirmative action because minorities are not given the same opportunities as whites and how the institution needs diverse students to enrich the educational experience of…