Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action Right?
Affirmative action has been around for decades. Some believe it isn’t fair but others do. Those who believe and agree with affirmative action tend to say, “The principle of affirmative action is to promote societal equality through the preferential treatment of socioeconomically disadvantaged people” (Bidmead, Andrew pg 3). Others that disagree with it and find it unfair simply see it as another form of discrimination, giving one group extra advantages based upon nothing but their skin color (Cline, Austin pg 1). I believe that affirmative action is indeed fair because it gives minorities a better chance at having a successful career in their near future.
“Affirmative action has been extremely controversial. Supporters maintain that it is the only way to overcome the effects of past discrimination and promote integration. Critics dismiss it as “reverse discrimination,” denying opportunities to qualified whites and men”. (Bakke pg. 2) The thing is, a lot of people really don’t know or understand exactly what affirmative action is. It’s a term that refers to many government policies that aim to increase the proportion of women, African-Americans, and other minorities in educational institutions and jobs historically dominated by white men. The policies usually require institutions and employers to set goals for admitting or hiring minorities.
The term "affirmative action" originated in the United States, and first appeared in President John F. Kennedy 's “Executive Order 10925” on March 6, 1961. This order included a stipulation that government contractors "take affirmative action to make certain that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without notice of their race, statement of belief, color, or national origin." The intention of this executive order was to establish the government 's commitment to equal opportunity for all competent persons, and to take positive action to strengthen
Affirmative action has been around for decades. Some believe it isn’t fair but others do. Those who believe and agree with affirmative action tend to say, “The principle of affirmative action is to promote societal equality through the preferential treatment of socioeconomically disadvantaged people” (Bidmead, Andrew pg 3). Others that disagree with it and find it unfair simply see it as another form of discrimination, giving one group extra advantages based upon nothing but their skin color (Cline, Austin pg 1). I believe that affirmative action is indeed fair because it gives minorities a better chance at having a successful career in their near future.
“Affirmative action has been extremely controversial. Supporters maintain that it is the only way to overcome the effects of past discrimination and promote integration. Critics dismiss it as “reverse discrimination,” denying opportunities to qualified whites and men”. (Bakke pg. 2) The thing is, a lot of people really don’t know or understand exactly what affirmative action is. It’s a term that refers to many government policies that aim to increase the proportion of women, African-Americans, and other minorities in educational institutions and jobs historically dominated by white men. The policies usually require institutions and employers to set goals for admitting or hiring minorities.
The term "affirmative action" originated in the United States, and first appeared in President John F. Kennedy 's “Executive Order 10925” on March 6, 1961. This order included a stipulation that government contractors "take affirmative action to make certain that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without notice of their race, statement of belief, color, or national origin." The intention of this executive order was to establish the government 's commitment to equal opportunity for all competent persons, and to take positive action to strengthen