Discrimination Still a Big Problem in the American Economy

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American economics has been influenced throughout the years by various types of discrimination. Discrimination is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of differential categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. Despite the much advancement in workplace law, America still falls short in achieving an equal playing field across all categories. The economy of America continues to suffer today from the inequalities that exist from discrimination. Becker describes, “discrimination in the market place by any group reduces their own real incomes as well as those of the minority”. (127)
Discrimination affects our economy both directly and indirectly. New York Times wrote an article that describes discrimination as a form of economic inefficiency. Having people in positions that they are not qualified to handle just because they fit the mold while having more talented people of the minority groups not being promoted because they did not fit the mold. There are gifted people with skills that they are not given the opportunity to share and allow society to benefit from their knowledge. Discriminating against these groups of people keep them from reaching their true level of performance and keep them in careers that are below their potential level. Having people in high paying positions because they have the desired appearance is harmful to our economy.
Racial discrimination has been an ongoing issue for our economy, throughout history there has been many racial equality advancements accomplished. Dedrick Muhammad defines the essence of racial discrimination, “ racial inequality, then, has always been defined by economic inequality”. (1) Despite the change ...

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...refront of our discussions and movements. Without employed, motivated, and appreciated Americans, we will loose the ability to make these changes for our future generations. To be a successful America we need to grow as a Nation and break out of the limitations brought on by discrimination.

Works Cited

"American Money: The Economic Origins of Racism." BET.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

"Article - Ageism at Work." Helenmdennis. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

Becker, Gary S. The Economics of Discrimination. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1971. Print.

Conrad, Cecilia, Patrick Mason, James Stewart, and John Whitehead. African Americans in the US Economy. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. Print.

Nelson, Robert L., and William P. Bridges. Legalizing Gender Inequality: Courts, Markets, and Unequal Pay for Women in America. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1999. Print.

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