Those who support affirmative action generally advocate it either as a means to address past discrimination or to enhance racial, ethnic, gender, or other diversity. They argue that the end result -- greater diversification -- justifies the means and that this want happen if simply left to chance. However, preferential hiring as compensation for past discrimination is ridiculous "since it benefits individuals (blacks and women possessing good educational credentials) least likely harmed by past wrongs while it burdens individuals (younger white male applicants) least likely to be responsible for past wrongs." Affirmative action does nothing to identify those who are truly in need such as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. There's no reason why an affluent black person should be given special consideration over a poor white candidate who has most likely confronted far more roadblocks in pursuing an education and a good career. The notion that businesses can't obtain diversity without affirmative action is equally absurd. Minorites and women can achieve their goals through their own hard work and ability and it's insulting to suggest that they need special assistance to do so. Laws are already in place to protect discrimination against them.
Affirmative action has proven to be a detriment to all involved. Businesses aren't necessarily hiring the best candidates and may unknowingly face legal risks when implementing affirmative action policies which are really just another form of discrimination. Further, affirmative action is demeaning to the achievements of all. Minorities often don't get the credit for their achievements because people don't know if they earned them on a level-playing field....
Qualified whites may not get the promotions and jobs they deserve due to unfair advantages instilled by affirmative action policies. As a result, racial tensions in the workplace are likely to emerge. For all these reasons, affirmative action should be replaced with a rule to always hire and promote the most qualified candidates.
Bibliography
Affirmative Action." Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action
Notes to Affirmative Action." http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/notes.html#11
Richey, Warren. "Affirmative Action's Evolution; How the Debate has Changed Since the 1970s." The Christian Science Monitor. 28 Mar 2003.
Works Cited
1) Pojman, Louis P., ed. "The Case Against Affirmative Action." Office of the Dean. United States Military Academy a West Point. 10 Nov. 2005 http:///www.dean.usma.edu/english/pojman/PublishedWorks/AffirmativeAction.html.
2) Richard Sander, "A Systemic Analysis of Affirmative Action in American Law Schools," Stanford Law Review, 57 (Nov. 2004), 478,449,460.
3) Harrison, Jon, ed. Grants for Minorities. 15 Sept. 2005. Michigan State University Libraries. 12 Nov. 2005 http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3specpop.htm.
4) Bliwise, Robert J., ed. "Reaffirming Affirmative Action." Duke Magazine Sept.-Oct.2003.
Richey, Warren. "Affirmative Action's Evolution; How the Debate has Changed Since the 1970s." The Christian Science Monitor. 28 Mar 2003.
Affirmative Action." Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action
Notes to Affirmative Action. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/notes.html#11
