Affirmative Action in Schools and the Business World Affirmative action are defined as a semi-regulated policy that advocates for the provision of equal opportunity in school admissions and the business world for minority groups and those that are discriminated against race/color, sexual orientation, religion/beliefs and/or national origin. it is generally perceived that without affirmative action in the society, those who are discriminated against or the minority group will not have an equal share with the rest (Barrett Para. 1).
According to the American culture the issue of affirmative action is addressed with the perception that the minority groups are actually favored. This can be termed as reverse discrimination since the qualified professionals in education or the business world from the majority groups may be denied chances so that people from the minority group may get the opportunities (Barrett Para. 4).
The struggles that result from the exploration of the affirmative action include the competition for opportunities in the job market and schools as well. Merit may not be the determining factor for entry into schools or getting employed because it will be replaced with a call for equity. Also, mismatching may occur as a result of giving individuals from minority groups, the positions at work or schools where they are not competent enough (Barrett Para. 7).
One can open a line of communication through addressing the real issues that people face at individual levels rather than generalizing them into groups or classes. This means that affirmative action may only be applied appropriately if the chances given to individuals of minority or majority groups are evaluated and determined to be competent enough (Barrett Para. 8).
English Becoming the Mandatory Language In The United States
English is the most spoken language in the United States and comes second in the whole world after Mandarin. All learning in the United States is done in English and therefore, it is appropriate for all her citizens to speak English as a mandatory language. This promotes unity and togetherness. It is perceived generally that use of English will help in eliminating or reducing racial prejudice and discrimination (Johnson Para. 1).
The United States has diverse population of almost all races on earth. These people immigrate to the country every year from many nations in the world and live and work in the United States. Therefore, the country is rich in diversified cultures and communication languages. This affects the use of the English as a mandatory language for immigrants require time to learn it before using it officially (Johnson Para. 3).
Different people living in the country whose roots are from different parts of the world dispute the use of English as a mandatory language with the claim that their culture and believes will be forgotten. Some of them suggest that it should only be an official language among others but not a mandatory language for all (Johnson Para. 4).
The best way to open communication lines regarding the issue is by having a legal mechanism that will point out the criteria to be used to enable English become a mandatory language in the United States without conflicts. The mechanism should explain how to take care of the rest of the population’s interest with the inclusion of conservation of their cultures. The creation of conditions that will lead to the adoption of English language in every sector in the United States will enhance efficiency as well (Johnson Para. 6).
Media has been noted of using loaded words on some issues. It is generally known that the use of loaded words is to try and show strong emotional implications that always have strong negative or positive reactions beyond their normal meaning. For instance, the use of the words such as ‘the war on terror’ or the ‘Jihad fighters’ sometimes exaggerates the reality (Fox 124).
The media’s use of these loaded words brings out a different picture which might not be necessarily the reality. Communication of this nature can often lead to an exaggerated negative or positive response or reaction from the targeted people. In addition, the use of some of these words also depends on the culture of people involved with the act. For instance, Muslims can easily be regarded as terrorists even when they are conducting a bank robbery like the rest of the population (Fox 124).
As the issue is explored through a cross-cultural perspective, a conflict of interest may arise. It therefore may indicate that media is biased on the way it communicates to the public with regard to particular issues. An example of such issues is the war on terrorism which the media usually tends to use loaded words to express their perception of the situation (Fox 126).
It should be noted that proper mechanisms or laws that govern the use of some of the words by media ought to be put in place. This will help media and its staff members moderate on the use of loaded words and only use them in unavoidable circumstances as a way of opening lines of proper communication (Fox 126).
The Glass Ceiling: Does it exist?
The glass ceiling is a metaphor that was generally used to refer the unbreachable yet unseen barrier that always hindered the minority and women from rising to highest ranks in the corporate world irrespective of their qualifications and experience. In as much as it is seen that glass ceiling is no longer in place, a number of people in the business and corporate world talk about the issue often. This is an indication that it still exists (Glass Ceiling Para. 2).
On the cross cultural perspective, the struggle for the minority and women in the corporate world takes another turn. The call on the majority to use fair means is inevitable. It is noted that the minority and women in the society may even end up sing their employers incase they experience the same issue at their various work places (Glass Ceiling Para. 4).
Through the use of the law and the campaign against those applying the glass ceiling criteria, an open line of communication might emerge. Those individuals who are also found practicing glass ceiling criteria ought to be put in public through media so as to embarrass them and let them serve as examples for the rest. This will also open a line of communication (Glass Ceiling Para. 7).
Works cited
Barrett, Paul M. Big Business Backs Affirmative Action at Supreme Court, 2012. Accessed on 13 February 2012 < http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-18/big-business-backs-affirmative-action-at-supreme-court >
Fox, Kirsten. VCE English language: exam guide. St Kilda, Vic: Insight Publications, 2011.
Glass Ceiling. Does the glass ceiling still exist? N.d. Accessed on 13 February 2012 < http://debatewise.org/debates/514-does-the-glass-ceiling-still-exist/>
Johnson, L. M. “Useful, Yes. But Mandatory?” The Economist, 2012. Accessed on 13 February 2012 < http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2012/04/business-english>
