Affirmative Action: The Discriminatory Effect

2073 Words5 Pages

Throughout history, people have been categorized into different groups. These groupings were based on certain characteristics people shared, whether it was their ethnicity, race, gender, or religion. Society is notorious for distinguishing among different groups and favoring one or two of them. Undoubtedly, this separation of peoples, led to increased tension between various groups. As time progressed, the conflicts intensified, and it became apparent that a change was necessary. At this time, places all around the world began experiencing revolutions of people that were working towards earning their rights. Consequently, governments around the globe began enacting a system of affirmative action, in other words, a system that would give minorities certain advantages in society in order to achieve level the playing field (Hanmer 7). Although affirmative action was established as a means to promote equality, it can prove to have adverse effects, such as discrimination against minorities and whites, and harming society.

Affirmative action in the United States has a long and complicated history. At first, it was developed to promote a more egalitarian society. The goal of this system was to give everyone an equal opportunity. It was intended to change the discriminatory times that led up to its development. As a result, employers, colleges, and universities, had to consider applicants based on merit as opposed to the prior standard of judging people by their appearances (Hanmer 7-11). However, as time progressed, affirmative action began to change and institutions had to have a certain amount of diversity. The system became more specific and organizations had to have a predetermined number of African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, w...

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Affirmative Action: The Discriminatory Effect

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