Affirmative Action
What exactly is affirmative action? The United States Congress passed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Immediately it became apparent that many business practices such as aptitude testing, or seniority status prevented equality in the work place. On September 24, 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson issued an executive order at Howard University that required federal contractors to ensure that applicants are employed without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin. Johnson then signed that order and enacted one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in the twentieth century.
Affirmative Action was created in an effort to help minorities overcome boundaries that were very present in this country when it was enacted. In 1965 the United States was in the wake of nation wide civil rights demonstrations and racial tension was at its peak. At this time white males that controlled all the hiring and firing held most executive, corporate, and managerial positions. The government thought these employers were discriminating against minorities and that it had to stop.
Affirmative action supporters often make one large assumption when defending their case. They assume that minorities want help. This may or may not always be the case but in my opinion most probably want equality not special treatment. To most the acceptance of special treatment is the acceptance of inferiority. Minorities are not inferior. With equal opportunities and fair labor practices they are just as capable to get a good job or education as any one else. We should be treating these minorities as equals not incompetents.
Affirmative action has many advantages and disadvantages. This being said it is vital that employer ...