Affirmative Action Debate
analytical Essay
1077 words
Affirmative Action Debate
"A policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities." At first glance this definition seems to explain fairly well what affirmative action is and convinces the reader that it is done in good faith to help make up for past discrimination, yet affirmative action is accompanied by many different opinions. This paper will discuss the different viewpoints regarding affirmative action.
The film Brazil in Black and White talks about affirmative action and its introduction in Brazil. The University of Brasilia has just implemented this action and we see the journey of students applying under affirmative action to increase their chances of being admitted, as well as those who are not. Here we see various opinions. Karinny is "not against the quotas" and applies under it; unluckily for her she doesn’t look black enough. Yet we see the contrast with Iolanda who thinks differently, she says "some people try to take advantage of being black. They act like victims to get what they want. I'm against that.” Even though she does look black she doesn’t apply to the University of Brasilia under this system because she thinks it would be unfair. In brazil this action has been very controversial because its in the media, it estimated that for every one article in favor of affirmative action there is twenty against it. The attitude of people Brazilians was very similar to the attitude of American in March of 1961 when President John F. Kennedy implemented affirmative action. Many Americans were against this and for the same reasons as Brazilians, that it was unfair, yet those who would be benefited against it, for the most part, just like Brazil citizens.
This article titled “Affirmative Action” talks provide opinions both ways but mostly talks about opposition of affirmative action. It does recognize that "such program... [is] based on good intentions [but it will] do more harm than good"(par.4). It argues that it would actually no be equality because the fact of being one race would boost someone’s chances to et into a certain school, which "violates the fundamental American value of equality of opportunity"(par. 4). Another argument made against it is that and acceptance to college based on race would be as if Americans nowadays were having to pay for their ancestors mistake, because slavery was abolished under the 13th amendment, Americans against this feel like they haven't enslaved anyone so why should race matter?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that affirmative action is a policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities.
- Analyzes how the film brazil in black and white talks about affirmative action and its introduction in brazil.
- Analyzes how the article titled "affirmative action" talks about opposition of affirmative action.
- Analyzes how the article "silence the anti-affirmative action crusade" talks about how jennifer gratz lost her spot to an applicant that was a minority group because of his race.
- Analyzes how the article "race (still) matters" discusses the consequences of using affirmative action or not in considering admissions to school.
- Opines that the government has a hard decision to make whether affirmative action should be enforced and make many anglo-americans angry and feel like america the fair is gone.
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- Affirmative Action in College Admissionsanalytical essayAffirmative action has been a controversial topic ever since it was established in the 1960s to right past wrongs against minority groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and women. The goal of affirmative action is to integrate minorities into public institutions, like universities, who have historically been discriminated against in such environments. Proponents claim that it is necessary in order to give minorities representation in these institutions, while opponents say that it is reverse discrimination. Newsweek has a story on this same debate which has hit the nation spotlight once more with a case being brought against the University of Michigan by some white students who claimed that the University’s admissions policies accepted minority students over them, even though they had better grades than the minority students. William Symonds of Business Week, however, thinks that it does not really matter. He claims that minority status is more or less irrelevant in college admissions and that class is the determining factor.
In this essay, the author
- Explains affirmative action has been a controversial topic since it was established in the 1960s to right past wrongs against minority groups, such as african americans, hispanics, and women.
- Explains that affirmative action is an active effort to improve employment or educational opportunities for members of minority groups and women, despite its well-intentioned policies.
- Analyzes the controversy surrounding affirmative action at the university of michigan. in 1978, the supreme court ruled that quotas and two-track admissions systems were unconstitutional.
- Analyzes how william symonds argues that affirmative action does not promote integration into institutions of higher education. he doesn't agree with the notion that people are discriminated against because of race.
- Explains that affirmative action has upped freshmen enrollment in colleges and universities to 12% african-american and hispanic. symonds uses two charts to illustrate his point.
- Explains symonds' claim that the only way to be true equality in college admissions is to allow for everyone to have an equal chance at a college education.
- Argues that affirmative action would put 38% of the lowest-income families into the nation's top universities rather than the meager 10% right now.
- Opines that affirmative action does not solve the problem that it is trying to fix. it facilitates the entrance to college to minorities of the higher classes.
- Cites encyclopdia britannica's "affirmative action" service.
1570 wordsRead More - The Affirmative Action Debateopinionated essayThe Affirmative Action Debate Most Americans desire a colorblind society. A society where individuals are judged upon merit, as opposed to the color of their skin. That is the reason Affirmative Action was birthed by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. That is also the reason that Proposition 209 was voted for in 1996. These two historical events are driven by the desire of equality.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how affirmative action was birthed by lyndon b. johnson in 1964 and proposition 209 was voted for in 1996.
- Explains that affirmative action was implemented for important reasons. it refers to efforts to increase educational and employment opportunities for minorities and women.
- Explains that affirmative action is important especially in the work force, since minorities and women felt discriminated against being chosen for the job. it was created to help black-americans, disabled, veterans, economically disadvantaged and others.
- Explains affirmative action aids in the areas of contracting and education. it also helps disabled students, women, minorities, economically disadvantaged students and veterans.
- Explains that affirmative action was proposed and accepted for a great many reasons that constantly create controversy. the angry white guys for affirmative action is an unsuspected group of men.
- Opines that contrary to the caricature, we support affirmative action for those who are still left out. we are not tear-jerk liberals or millionaires.
- Quotes ryan mendoza from the yale daily news, who applauds the angry white guys. affirmative action treats innocent white males unequally, but it does not deprive them of genuine equal opportunity rights.
- Explains that california votes no on 209 firmly believes in affirmative action for the same reasons the others do.
- Argues that affirmative action supporters are fighting to keep it alive because they fear that things like proposition 209 will destroy all that has been fought to obtain.
- Explains why proposition 209 became an explosive issue in the 1996 voting. the creators of this proposition, as well as its supporters, believe that prop.
- Analyzes how the proponents of affirmative action have become experts in deceit. they claim that life is not a zero-sum game and that granting an advantage doesn't have to penalize someone else.
- Argues that the passage of this proposition will encourage a healthy competition for jobs.
- Opines that people strive harder to do their best. they are hoping for a color-blind job and that their individual qualifications and personalities can land them the job they desire and earned.
- Opines that white, middle-class, suburbanite men are in favor of proposition 209 and the doing away with affirmative action, while minority men feel the same way.
- Opines that californians of all races and creeds are fighting for the equality they see in prop. 209, and the truth about what it will not take away from society.
- Assures that the ending of affirmative action through proposition 209 will not abolish non-discriminatory affirmative action programs by state and local governments.
- Opines that on both sides of the issue of affirmative action, there are valid arguments. is racial harmony something that can be legislated or is it simply a matter of heart that we need to change?
- Explains that california votes no on 209, edwards, john, the morality of racial preference in britain and america, fall, ted, and julio faundez.
- Cites wilson, pete, & thomas' the fears and truths of proposition 209, and lemann, nicholas.
- Explains that affirmative action remains the american compromise.
1760 wordsRead More - Affirmative Action in the United Statesanalytical essayIf you ask what affirmative action is numerous Americans in America could not tell you the definition of affirmative action or how it affects us as individuals and our communities in the United States. When trying to understand the issue of affirmative action you have to ask yourself the key question what is affirmative action? Affirmative action are laws that are put in place referring to various government policies that aim to increase the percentages of African-Americans, women, and other minorities in jobs and educational institutions. The policy gives major companies a required percentage of employers to hiring that are in minority groups. Now that we have clearly identify what affirmative action is we need to ask our-self are the affirmative action policies being put into place in American companies? In this paper we will compare and contrast two articles and discussing in detail two sides who the experiences with affirmative action affects minorities in the community and education system.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the definition of affirmative action and how it affects individuals and communities in the united states.
- Analyzes ward connerly's article, "one nation, indivisible", in which he expresses the legislators' approval of affirmative action laws and how it affects society.
- Analyzes the findings of william g.bowen and derek bok's article, "pro and con," based on a study research.
- Argues that affirmative action laws are holding many african americans from prevailing in society and in education.
- Analyzes how connerly believes that policies like affirmative action are segregating minorities instead of bringing them together as one big minority.
- Compares the views of william g. bowen and derek bok on affirmative action. both agree that racial judgment against african americans is the main issue in american society.
- Analyzes how bowen and bok disagree on who gets the blame in why the system is the way it is. they point out that there is racial judgment against african americans and as a society we need to fix it.
- Opines that affirmative action laws promote a wide range of opportunities to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. ward connerly believes that the laws are segregating americans into categories instead of seeing us as one united group of people.
1046 wordsRead More - Affirmative Actionanalytical essayAmerica is the land of opportunity, but to be fully qualified for the status, it needs to be “color-blind, race-blind, and gender-blind.” Affirmative Action began as a way to stop discrimination, but as new laws have been added to it, it has become reverse discrimination. Everyone has the opportunity to be a great addition to society. It is an immense injustice for people to say that someone of a different race or gender is not capable of achieving the same status in life as a white male. Through this paper, the concepts of affirmative action will be analyzed and discussed.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how the office of federal contract compliance programs requires compliance to affirmative action. the ofccp investigates complaints and lawsuits against companies that have been accused of discrimination.
- Explains that allan bakke, a white male, applied to the university of california at davis medical school and was denied admission, but his test scores and gpa were higher than students admitted through the affirmative action admittance program.
- Explains that the 8(a) program is designed to give minority and women owned businesses government contracts without competitive bidding.
- Explains that affirmative action began as a way to stop discrimination, but as new laws have been added to it, it has become reverse-discrimination.
- Argues that affirmative action is not constitutional because the fourteenth amendment guarantees equal protection of the law to all people.
- Argues that affirmative action has outlived its benefits and is now encouraging reverse discrimination by setting quotas on the number of minorities required for a firm or school.
2356 wordsRead More - affirmative actionanalytical essayAffirmative action is an attempt by the United States to amend a long history of racial discrimination and injustice. Our school textbook defines affirmative action as “a program established that attempts to improve the chances of minority applicants for educational or employment purposes, although they may have the same qualifications, by giving them leverage so that they can attain a level that is equal to caucasian applicants” (Berman 522). There are people that support and oppose this issue. Opponents of affirmative action have many reasons for opposing this issue, one of them being that the battle for equal rights is over, and that this advantage made for people of color discriminates against people that are not of color. The people that defend affirmative action argue this advantage is needed because of how badly discriminated the people of color once were. Because of the discrimination that once was these people claim that they are at a disadvantage, and always have been, therefore equality of opportunity is needed. It is also said that affirmative action is used to encourage diversity and integration. This paper will discuss the history of affirmative action, how it is implemented in society today, and evaluate the arguments that it presents.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that affirmative action is an attempt by the united states to amend a long history of racial discrimination and injustice.
- Explains how the plessy v. ferguson case created racial tensions across america.
- Analyzes how president johnson made many promises in his commencement speech at howard university. he placed the moral duty on the white man of curing "one huge wrong" done to black americans.
- Explains that affirmative action has made a difference in how many minorities exist in the workforce and in highly rank u.s. universities.
- Analyzes how affirmative action was put into legislation by examining the history of black americans and slavery.
- Argues that affirmative action is reverse discrimination and that minorities have been given an unfair advantage when it comes to jobs and education.
- Analyzes gose, ben, and schmidt, peter. "ruling against affirmative action could alter legal
1823 wordsRead More - America Needs Affirmitive Actionopinionated essay“…granting modest advantages to minorities and women is more than fair, given hundreds of years of discrimination that benefited whites and men.” (Fromkin) Affirmative Action is not only justifiable, but it is necessary in today’s world. Affirmative Action can be seen throughout United States History as a leading fighter for equal opportunity. Affirmative Action can assist in creating a more equal opportunity for people regarding higher education, employment and the work force, and creating a more diverse equal community in all aspects. Affirmative Action, in contrast to many people’s beliefs, does not promote “reverse discrimination” or create quotas for groups to adhere to. On the contrary, it gives minorities and women the opportunity to have jobs and positions they are already qualified for.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that affirmative action is justifiable and necessary in today's world. affirmative action does not promote reverse discrimination or create quotas for groups to adhere to.
- Analyzes the history of affirmative action in the united states, stating that it is an example of the endless fight for equality among women and all minorities.
- Explains affirmative action provides women and minorities equal opportunity in higher education. it makes the admission boards of colleges look further at a minority applicant.
- Opines that affirmative action plays a big role in employment and the workforce. affirmative action gives qualified women and minorities equal employment opportunities.
- Opines that affirmative action promotes diversity in society. a diversified society can only be the bettering and strengthening of it.
- Opines that affirmative action does not promote reverse discrimination because it allows for already qualified people to be given the opportunities.
- Opines that affirmative action can be justified through rights that every human being should be granted, especially in this period of racism and sexism.
1081 wordsRead More - Affirmative Action Essayopinionated essayIn the United States, Affirmative Action is a group of policy decisions that provide benefits or some special opportunities to members of underrepresented or underprivileged groups. These policies began in the United States and were aimed at creating an equal opportunity workforce but were also extended to college admissions. These policies were created in 1961 when President Kennedy’s Executive Order 10925 where he wrote that all companies are to, "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin." Today, in a country with fairly evolved race relations, Affirmative Action is a topic of hot debate. Many Americans believe that these policies of affirmative action have turned into reverse discrimination against Caucasian Americans, while other Americans believe that we still need these policies.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that affirmative action is a group of policy decisions that provide benefits or special opportunities to members of underrepresented or underprivileged groups.
- Explains the supreme court's decision in gratz v. bollinger, which explores the role of affirmative action in college admission at the university of michigan.
- Agrees that adding the amount of points that the university did is unfair, because colleges should look at applicants holistically. however, they do not think race should be completely left out of the equation.
- Analyzes how moral philosophy: theories and issues by emmet barcalow summarizes the idea of affirmative action and discusses its legal contexts.
- Opines that reverse discrimination is insensitive, since historically, minorities have been disregarded, inhumanely treated, and excluded from nearly every social and economic outlet.
- Explains that they grew up in loudoun county, which is essentially a suburban housing development down the highway from washington, dc.
- Analyzes how supreme court justice sotomayor's fierce defense of affirmative action efforts found renewed voice in an impassioned dissent that accused colleagues of trying to ‘wish away’ racial inequality.
- Opines that unless we have an open dialogue about race relations, we are never going to reach a point where our society is free of discrimination.
- Opines that the issue of inequality between groups of people has more to do with socioeconomic groups than it does with race.
- Concludes that there are many opinions on affirmative action, which were set into place during a very different time period. although our society has made progress, we are not perfect.
1150 wordsRead More - None of This is Fair by Mr. Richard Rodriguezanalytical essayThe Affirmative Action Law was formed as a solution to the long history of animosity towards minorities, and to eradicate the segregation between minorities and majorities. The program certainly aided many of disadvantage people living in the United States. The Affirmative Action encouraged many individuals, particularly, women, and group of people that belongs to different ethnic groups to have hopes and dreams due to the fair chance that were being given by the program. However, even though the Affirmative Action Law’s aim is to provide equal human rights for all the citizens of the United States, there will always be a group of people who will oppose, because each individuals’ have different notion and needs.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the "affirmative action law" was passed and enforced for the first time on september 24, 1965.
- Explains that the affirmative action law is an important tool to many minorities, especially to women, and people of color.
- Analyzes how the affirmative action law and academic achievements helped wes moore obtain the opportunities that he has today.
- Analyzes how the affirmative action law becomes a reverse discrimination to some majority or advantage group of people.
- Explains that the affirmative action law was formed as a solution to the long history of animosity towards minorities.
664 wordsRead More - Affirmative Actionexplanatory essayAffirmative action works. When these policies received government support, vast numbers of people of color, white women and men have gained access they would not otherwise have had. These gains have led to very real changes. Affirmative action programs have not eliminated racism, nor have they always been implemented without problems. However, there would be no struggle to roll back the gains achieved if affirmative action policies were ineffective.
In this essay, the author
- Affirms that these gains have led to real changes.
- Opines that affirmative action would not be a struggle to roll back the gains achieved.
- Opines that imbalances exist for other racial and ethnic minorities as well as for women.
- Explains why, at this point in history, we must become more "color conscious".
- Explains that independence asserts that "all men are created equal." yet america is scarred by a long history.
- Explains that big business has had less success in integration. this is due to the fact that it has been more successful.
- Opines that female applicant flow would be very easy for a company to do. they simply need to include female applicants.
- Opines that the preference should be for a person of color when past discrimination has resulted in white people.
- Opines that the best qualified person will not be hired. however, it has been demonstrated many times.
- Explains that blacks remain far behind whites in a variety of areas, from the quality of health care to the rate of employment.
- Explains that blacks in america were reduced to the legal status of farm animals by a supreme court opinion, dred scott v. sandford (1857).
- Explains that women were deprived of some of the most basic right of citizenship. the fourteenth amendment was passed in 1868, giving blacks the right to vote.
- Explains how the south reacted by passing the "black codes," which severely limited the rights of newly freed slaves, preventing them from testifying in courts against whites. white vigilante groups like the klu klux klan began to appear, by murdering and terrorizing blacks
- Explains affirmative action has had its greatest amount of success in city, state, and government jobs. since the 1960s the area of law enforcement witnessed the greatest increase in minority applicants.
- Explains that these jobs were almost completely closed off to minorities and women. the influx was greatest in the area of government, state and city, because this type of work is easier for them.
- Opines that affirmative action is needed to help black women compete in the workforce.
- Explains that employers have mandated hiring goals so that those employed begin to reflect the racial mix of the general population from which workers are drawn.
- Explains that qualified people who may not have the highest test scores or grades, but who are ready to do the job, may be hired.
- Opines that affirmative action policies serve as a corrective to patterns of discrimination.
1174 wordsRead More - Pros And Cons Of Selective Incorporationopinionated essay3.The term Affirmative action has played a huge role in the past one hundred years of American politics. It is simply defined as an action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer. Civil Rights of American citizens have drastically changed because of Affirmative action. With almost anything in politics, there is a debate for and against Affirmative action. Supporters of this say that this helps encourage e...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states constitution was founded upon a high set of principles, values, and laws. the first ten amendments were known as the bill of rights, but until the fourteenth amendment was passed, it was only applied to the federal government.
- Analyzes how the fourteenth amendment has been used to cover almost all of the bill of rights. selective incorporation covers the first through eighth amendments, with the ninth and tenth guaranteed by the federal government.
- Explains that affirmative action has played a huge role in the past one hundred years of american politics.
- Opines that the solution to overcoming discrimination of any kind is not a simple one. affirmative action helps put us on the track towards an equal america.
- Opines that the civil rights movement of the 1960s helped pave the way for the rights of any us citizen to political social freedom, no matter their race or ethnicity.
- Explains that many political amendments and congressional acts have helped pave the way for the advancement of this nation’s civil rights.
- Opines that the manifest destiny led to complicated decisions that drove these people from their land to a new home in the american mid-western region. it was recorded by many historians as one of the most distasteful acts by an american president
- Opines that the federal government needs to make more of an effort for reparations to help raise the socio-economic level of this ethnic group.
- Opines that both sides of the political spectrum must be critically examined in order to omit mistakes and for cultural advancement.
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