Affirmative action is one of the debatable issues in the United States. It is worth noting that the debates over the affirmative action delineate a philosophical divide on issues relates to American dilemma. Affirmative action refers to the policy that favors those who are disadvantaged in society especially issues related to discrimination. Women and children are believed to have undergone several issues related to discrimination in business and schools. The question that is asked is whether affirmative action is still required. The focus of affirmative action is to redress the adverse effects of discrimination in society. The government has maintained a middle ground on affirmative action and concentrate on promoting equality among the minority groups and protect those disadvantaged from gate crimes and injustice. In the general perspective, affirmative action is a controversial issue that demands fundamental analysis. Based on various reasons we do not need affirmative action.
Affirmative action can serve as reverse discrimination. This means that the policy does not serve the purpose that was designed to undertake. The White community work hard and are qualified but face tremendous challenges in the employment sector because of the race. Many of the minority groups have fallen into upper and middle class while qualified White community lives in poverty. The laws of the country should treat all people equally regardless of their race or color (Crosby et al., 14). Affirmative action enhances present discrimination of non-minority groups. On the same note, affirmative action has destroyed the concept of meritocracy in schools and job recruitment. Race and color have become the dominant aspects in school admission and employment sector. People who are qualified should be employed, regardless of their race and color.
Also, elimination of affirmative action is essential because it enhances a color-blind community. Job application will only be streamlined towards the ability and experience to deliver what is expected. The issue of race and color are irrelevant because they are not associated with character, discipline, intelligence or ambition. Affirmative action has a flaw regarding diversity (Ibarra 43). Different people in institutions and workplace do not mean diversity in ideas and opinion. People from the same race have diverse ideas and information. This indicates that a working environment with people from different races does not mean diversity of views.
Affirmative action lowers the aspect of accountability in workplace and schools. Employees and students are expected to work hard to achieve the best outcome. Affirmative action tends to favor the minority community, which lowers accountability in society. Institutions should rewards individuals because of achievements, discipline and hard work rather than regarding race and color (Ibarra 18). Also, affirmative action patronizes the minority groups. This is because they are viewed as incapable to succeed without affirmative action. Affirmative action demeans the achievements of minority groups. For example, there are individuals from minority groups who have to accomplish through hard work. They include Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, and Barrack Obama. Elimination of affirmative action enables hard work individuals to be respected and credited for their achievements.
Those in support of the policy believe that affirmative action is needed in the country. Affirmative action boosts those who are disadvantaged in society. For example, many students start their education at a disadvantage. Such students require support to achieve the best. Also, the policy compensates the minority group for oppression and slavery.
In the general perceptive, we do not need affirmative action in the country. The minority groups should compete with other groups regardless of their race. Elimination of affirmative action creates an equal society and enhance the color blind community. The government should make bold decisions work towards eliminating affirmative action.
Work cited
Crosby, Faye., Tomasson, Richard., and Herzberger, Sharon. Affirmative Action: The Pros and Cons of Policy and Practice. United States: ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD, 2001. Print.
Ibarra, Robert A. Beyond Affirmative Action: Reframing the Context of Higher Education. Madison, Wis: University of Wisconsin Press, 2001. Print.
