Affirmative Action Research Paper Essay Example
Affirmative Action
University of Phoenix
Susan E. Ricard
Since the beginning of affirmative action, there has been controversy about the program being an effective tool to eliminate discrimination in education and the workplace. Even though the numbers with affirmative action plans seemed to have improved the percentage of minorities in schools and workplaces, it does not work to mandate that people change. Once the mandates disappear the numbers begin to decrease.
In its conception in 1964 with the implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action was meant to be a way of allowing an equal opportunity for, at this time, blacks to be given the same chances as white men. The argument was that since the beginning of America, blacks had not been treated fairly, even inhumane at times, being used as property. They were not allowed to educate themselves or think for themselves. Because of the injustices done to them, there was a need for restitution for the wrongs that white men had done. (Williams 2009). Affirmative action was supposed to be the law to make white men see blacks as equal. The law was also expected to “level the playing field” even if it meant patronizing blacks because they didn’t have the same advantages to excel without being patronized. Those in favor of affirmative action want the minority population to excel and have the same chances that white men have. Unfortunately, the belief that creating laws to change people’s predispositions is only possible if everyone agrees and abides with those laws. When people have preconceived ideas of others based on upbringing and years of believing stereotypes quick resolves are not usually a possibility. These mandates are meant to make people change the way they have been taught to think since birth.
Proponents of affirmative action believe that there have been and still are today too many minorities that do not have an equal chance in employment and education. There have
University of Phoenix
Susan E. Ricard
Since the beginning of affirmative action, there has been controversy about the program being an effective tool to eliminate discrimination in education and the workplace. Even though the numbers with affirmative action plans seemed to have improved the percentage of minorities in schools and workplaces, it does not work to mandate that people change. Once the mandates disappear the numbers begin to decrease.
In its conception in 1964 with the implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action was meant to be a way of allowing an equal opportunity for, at this time, blacks to be given the same chances as white men. The argument was that since the beginning of America, blacks had not been treated fairly, even inhumane at times, being used as property. They were not allowed to educate themselves or think for themselves. Because of the injustices done to them, there was a need for restitution for the wrongs that white men had done. (Williams 2009). Affirmative action was supposed to be the law to make white men see blacks as equal. The law was also expected to “level the playing field” even if it meant patronizing blacks because they didn’t have the same advantages to excel without being patronized. Those in favor of affirmative action want the minority population to excel and have the same chances that white men have. Unfortunately, the belief that creating laws to change people’s predispositions is only possible if everyone agrees and abides with those laws. When people have preconceived ideas of others based on upbringing and years of believing stereotypes quick resolves are not usually a possibility. These mandates are meant to make people change the way they have been taught to think since birth.
Proponents of affirmative action believe that there have been and still are today too many minorities that do not have an equal chance in employment and education. There have