10 Reasons the U.S. still Needs Affirmative Action
Affirmative action dates back to the 1960s when President Kennedy signed an executive order requiring all those who contracted with the US Government to take steps to make sure that all employees (and those seeking employment with the contractor) be treated without discrimination due to race, creed, color or national origin. The requirements were later amended to prevent discrimination on the grounds of sex.
Despite many protestations to the contrary, America is still a class, gender and race based society where it is easier to get ahead if you are white, male
and middle class. In a country where your name matters (studies have shown that people with ‘black’ names find it harder to get a job interview than those with ‘white’ names) and where women are still in the minority in the senior ranks of the professions, affirmative action is sadly still a necessity.Affirmative action is, perhaps, most controversial when it comes to the question of quotas. Whether in employment or access to college why should someone with a higher score be overlooked in favor of someone who has not done quite as well? At first glance it does seem unfair but what affirmative action has done is level the playing field. It makes sure that people who have potential but whose life circumstances have meant they have been unable to realize it still have access to all the opportunities they deserve.
So, here are our top 10 reasons why affirmative action is as relevant and necessary today as it was when it was first proposed in 1961.
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