Affirmative Action The Discriminatory Effect Essay example

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†¦show more content†¦They only received this advantage because of what racial, ethnical, or gender group they belonged to; the focus on merit dwindled as affirmative action changed over time (Hanmer 7-19). Consequently, the benefits of affirm ative action began to become less apparent and the system began to show effects opposing the original intents. Affirmative action is a system that intends to assist minorities; however, it discriminates against these groups. Some say they feel that they were just given an advantage based on their race, and if they did not put their race or ethnicity on their application they would not have been recruited into the institution. People implementing affirmative action understand that it does establish reverse discrimination, but are willing to accept it as long as it increases diversity (Steele 37-39). In other words, they are stating that discrimination is reasonable as long as institutions can meet their racial quotas. In the present time, minority applicants are being assessed mainly based on the racial or ethnical group they belong to, and not as much due to their merit (Steele 37). â€Å"Most Americans would support what was called affirmative action back in the 1960s, programs wh ere efforts were made by companies and colleges to go outside the mainstream in their recruiting efforts. But thats an entirely different thing from having hard and fast racial quotas--hiring people according to numbers in society† (Hanmer 9).Show MoreRelatedIs Affirmative Action in Higher Education Outdated?783 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Is Affirmative Action in Higher Education Outdated? Affirmative action policies have been in place since 1957 (Rubio 144). Presidents Kennedy and Johnson signed executive orders in 1961 and 1964, respectively, requiring government agencies and their contractors to take affirmative steps to ensure minority participation. Johnsons order was modified two years later to include women. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discriminatory hiring, promotion, and retention practices in both the privateRead MoreAffirmative Action : Discrimination And Discrimination Essay1143 Words   |  5 PagesWHAT IS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Affirmative action can be described as positive discrimination. It is an action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to employment or education. Affirmative action means taking positive steps to end discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, and to creative new opportunities that were previously denied minorities and women. Affirmative action itself has been defined as any measure, beyond simple termination of a discriminatoryRead MoreAfrican American Women And Affirmative Action1307 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican American Women and Affirmative Action How does one correct centuries of discrimination without alienating the majority, who have benefitted from the mistreatment of minorities as citizens of this country? Before understanding how affirmative action has an effect on U.S. history, one must comprehend what it is and what the motive was behind it. Affirmative action was the effort to improve education and career opportunities for women and minorities to make up for past discrimination practicesRead More Two Views of Affirmative Action Essay1498 Words   |  6 PagesTwo Views of Affirmative Action We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal†¦. Even before it became a nation, America was heralded as a land of equality. Thomas Jeffersons statement begs more than a few questions, one of which is: How can we ensure equality to everyone? Beginning in the late 1960s, the federal government provided an answer to this question in the form of affirmative action. In recent years, many people have called this policy into question. InterestinglyRead MoreCase Case Study : Prima Facie Case1175 Words   |  5 PagesPlaintiff: The person in a case who is suing. Accept on Remand: to send a case back to its original court after is has appeared in appeals court. Taken from http://thelawdictionary.org/remand/ on September 20, 2014 Consent Decree: A type of affirmative action from a legal proceeding enforced by an approved settlement between the plaintiff and defendant. Just Cause: A legal provision in which the employer must prove that the termination of an employee was based on an appropriate reason, and if itRead MoreAffirmative Action Is Not Based On Reason Or Actual Experience1584 Words   |  7 Pagesthe concept affirmative action extensively across the United States. Affirmative action is discriminating in favor of racial minorities in admissions, hiring, tenure, contracting, and financial aid. When two people are equally qualified for a job or admission opportunity is it acceptable to make the choice based on race, sex, or ethnicity? It is widely known that affirmative action is admissible. There is an opposition between the American ideal of individualism and affirmative action. IndividualismRead MorePros And Cons Of Affirmative Action1548 Words   |  7 PagesAffirmative action is defined as â€Å"an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women sought to achieve a multicul tural staff through affirmative action; also: a similar effort to promote the rights or progress of other disadvantaged persons† (Affirmative Action, n.d.). Affirmative action is a government policy that ensures that diversity is maintained in schools and in the workplace. It’s designed to assist individuals overcome previousRead More Affirmative Action Essay1086 Words   |  5 Pages The roots of Affirmative Action can be traced back to the passage of the Civil Rights Act where legislation redefined public and private behavior. The act states that to discriminate in private is legal, but anything regarding business or public discrimination is illegal. There are two instances when opposing affirmative action might seem the wrong thing to do. The nobility of the cause that help others. Affirmative Action was a great starter for equality in the work place. The mostRead MoreAffirmative Action And The Civil Rights And Equal Opportunity Legislation Of The 1960s958 Words   |  4 PagesAffirmative action is a program that serves to rectify the effects of purportedly past societal discrimination by allocating jobs and opportunities to minorities and women. Affirmative action programs were an outgrowth of the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movements and the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity legislation of the 1960s. Close to fifty years later, the practice of affirmative action has been at the vanguard of intense debate more than any other time in its history. Hardly a week goesRead MoreChapter 3: Equal Employment Opportunity Human Resources Management963 Words   |  4 Pagesphysical conduct of a sexual nature in the working environment †¢ Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures: Is a procedural document published in the Federal Register to assist employers in complying with federal regulations against discriminatory actions. †¢ Adverse Impact: The rejection of a significantly higher percentage of a protected class for employment, placement, or promotion when compared with a non-protected class. †¢ Four fifths rule: Rule of thumb followed by the EEOC in determining