The United States of America is a land of numerous races, cultures and citizenships.
People come to America seeking prosperous futures and a better standard of living which is denied in their own home countries.In 1964, the Civil Rights Act offered these migrants protection against any form of discrimination and a year later the U.S. Department of Justice was given the power to eliminate discrimination by taking steps labeled to be as “affirmative” steps.
The concept of Affirmative Action is to offer minority groups residing in the United States a benefit over the resident predominant white-male population as they are perceived to be getting better perks due to their race (EthnicMajority.com).The American Psychological Association goes on into much detail proving both statistically and qualitatively the need and importance of Affirmative action to offer some sort of benefit to the average working class minority.They offer fairly conclusive arguments as to the efficacy of adopting affirmative action programs in the workplace and otherwise to support the minorities and offer them chances of advancements and to highlight their abilities.Affirmative action’s do not disadvantage the white-male, but instead offer the minorities based on religion, race, and gender or any other reason a chance to overcome their difference and compete side by side with the advantaged group.
Based on the findings of the APA (American Psychological Association) they found that the Affirmative action programs and the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) programs both aim to offer justice to all those wishing to work in any company.The difference between the two resides in the fact that EEO are passive and can be used across the board whereas affirmative action laws need to be custom made to fit different scenarios and requirements (Association).They also provide arguments backed with data highlighting the fact that often minorities, including women and other racial or religious groups get backed into close ended jobs and with low income and growth opportunities.The authors suggest that the population is still inept at making decisions free of racial or cultural biasness and the programs offer minorities with at least some measure of legal protection against any harmful decisions against them.The articles under discussion offer arguments supporting programs which aim to alleviate racial prejudices while making decisions in the workplace. They offer employers a guideline with which to treat their employees.
Affirmative action also enable employers to monitor the performance levels of their employees and ensure that the correct people receive the bonuses and promotions due to greater results and higher inputs into the organizations.Many cases which are lodged are based on the fact that people believe they did not get their rightful rewards and were cheated in some way or the other based on their differences.I am of the opinion that Affirmative Action is a positive step and even though there are those who contest against it on the grounds of Affirmative action not considering the merit of the employees and that it does not provide any good to the organization as it compromises on its workforce by relating it to the quota system (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2009), I disagree as the programs only allow minorities to demand for equal treatment.If someone is seriously lacking in merit, just over the fact that they are a minority group, affirmative action would not ensure them the job. Similarly, minorities who overcome disparity and actually achieve greater than their populous white-male counterparts, seek out affirmative action so that they do not have any disadvantage and begin on equal footing.
ConclusionAffirmative action does not put anyone at a disadvantage as the white male population can still gain jobs based on their criteria. Yet, it does allow minorities such as women, racially different individuals and practitioners of other religions to overcome their disadvantage and attempt to seek jobs and employments which have otherwise been cut off to them due to their distinction from others.
