There has been constant debate about the issue of Affirmative Action in American society. Those who oppose this policy say it actually serves as a hindrance to the nation in that it creates "reverse discrimination." However, in actuality, it was implemented with the idea and hope that America would finally become truly equal in that the women and minorities who were so often overlooked, would be given the same chance that previously was only given to white males. Affirmative Action was put into operation as a means to reduce oppression and discrimination but has bread conflict along the way. This paper will discuss the issue of Affirmative Action,

Following the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, America was forced to confront the nearly insurmountable task of bringing about harmony and equality between the races. Since the abolishment of slavery at the end of the Civil War, minorities have been racially harassed and assaulted, excluded from hiring groups, blatantly discriminated against, unfairly eliminated because of inappropriate qualification standards, and have been rendered unqualified because of discrimination in education and housing. In 1965, Presiden

Affirmative action has been a symbol of white people's acknowledgment of and serious commitment to eradicating racial discrimination. It has been interpreted as such by most people of color. It is crucial that at this stage of backlash against the gains of the last three decades, we do not abandon programs that counter the effects of discrimination.

Affirmative action is not a cure-all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition for scarce resources. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. They cannot direct us to the social policies necessary so people do not have to compete for scarce resources in the first place. The larger question to ask is why are there not enough decent paying, challenging and safe jobs for everyone? Why are there not enough seats in the universities for everyone who wants an education? Expanding opportunity for people of color means expanding not only their access to existing jobs, education and housing (affirmative action), but also removing the obstacles that cause these resources to be limited (social justice).

Affirmative action programs have been effective in many areas of public life because they opened up opportunities for people who would not otherwise have them, including white women and men. Attacks on affirmative action are part of a systematic attempt to roll back progress in ending discrimination and to curtail a broad social commitment to justice and equality. Attacking affirmative action is self-destructive for all of us except the rich.

It has also often been argued that with the practice of affirmative action in employment, the most qualified person will not be hired. An employer faced with hiring two employees, one Hispanic and one Caucasian, would hire the Hispanic man even if the Caucasian applicant had a stronger resume. However, it has been demonstrated many times in hiring and academic recruitment that test and educational qualifications are not necessarily the best predictors of future success. Qualified people who may not have the highest test scores or grade point averages, but who are eminently ready to do the job may be hired. Employers have traditionally hired people not only on test sco

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Approximate Word count = 1520
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)