Affirmative action-opinion paper

Essay by rsmohnotHigh School, 11th grade April 2004

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Affirmative action is meant to be an attempt at equality throughout society. It supposedly proposes that each person receive equal opportunities in the classroom as well as the work force. Not only would this apply to minorities but to women as well. Every sector in America would be equal and unprejudiced - or so proponents say. On the other hand, adopting affirmative action would force many employers to replace hard-working employees with those of less qualification simply due to their gender or ethnic background.

Many people feel that affirmative action would be very beneficial to our society. They have many thought-inspiring arguments. Some claim that we owe blacks for what we took from them in the past. We gave them a set-back in our economic system, and affirmative action would be our way of reimbursing them for time and opportunities they lost out on. But where should the line be drawn; how much do we do to repay people - in this case blacks - for past wrongs? Is it enough to give them equal rights, or will we give them extra opportunities to make up for those we took away? It has been argued that the black sector in America, in general, is lower in class due to their environment prior to the Civil War, but the black people of today are not those who lived then.

Each person today - no matter their gender, origin, race, belief, or whatever difference - has the same opportunities as everyone else. The blacks do not need any special favors - neither do women, Indians, Mexicans, or anyone else.

Proponents of affirmative action attempt to show that diversity in the work force has brought with it improved skills and new insights. I agree that diversity could encourage the majority to learn more...