Anti-segregation

“Affirmative Action and Its Effects on Society”

Affirmative action is defined as a “set of procedures to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age in hiring and promoting employees (“What is affirmative action?”, 2020). The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure that all jobs, educational opportunities, and other privileges are available to all individuals, including marginalized and underprivileged groups. While it has become a politically contentious issue in the United States and in many other nations, affirmative action is intended to promote equality in hiring practices, education, and other areas of life.

Affirmative action was first implemented in the United States in 1961 by then-President John F. Kennedy, after recognizing the plight of equal rights for minorities in the United States. The term, “Affirmative action”, was first coined by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, when he created the Office of Federal Contract Compliance to ensure that organizations receiving federal funds were following the laws regarding affirmative action (Clayton & Myers, 2002). Since then, many states and organizations have implemented affirmative action policies and regulations, such as those in California, Colorado, New York and Los Angeles.

Although affirmative action has been largely successful in creating a more diverse and equitable work environment, it has also faced some criticism. Opponents of affirmative action argue that it is not a fair or equitable system due to its potential to reward unqualified applicants with higher positions that could be filled by a more competent person. Additionally, affirmative action has not always been successful in creating a more diverse and equitable society. Critics of the program have argued that certain minorities and underprivileged groups have been forgotten or excluded from the benefits of the program, while others have argued that the program unfairly benefits certain minorities while excluding majority populations (“Affirmative Action”, 2020).

The impact of affirmative action on society has been a contentious topic since its inception. Supporters of affirmative action argue that the policy has been successful in redressing years of discrimination and unequal opportunity. In addition to helping traditionally underrepresented groups gain access to positions and educational opportunities they would not have been able to access without affirmative action, the policy has also been successful in helping to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment (Bose & Tiberius, 2018).

Critics of affirmative action argue that it does not necessarily lead to greater equality or success. They point to the fact that some beneficiaries of affirmative action programs are still unable to compete with those more qualified than them, which leads to a disadvantage in the job market or educational system. Additionally, critics of affirmative action have raised the concern that certain minority groups are more often the beneficiaries of affirmative action policies than others, leading to an unequal distribution of opportunities among race and gender (Bose & Tiberius, 2018).

Despite the controversy surrounding affirmative action, it is clear that it has had a tremendous impact on society and its ability to create a more equal opportunities for individuals. Although there are disagreements with the specifics of affirmative action, its creation has shown an acknowledgement of the need for an equitable and diverse work force. The effects of affirmative action on society have been far reaching, and the policies put in place are a testament to the importance of creating an environment in which all individuals are given the chance to succeed.

References

Bose, A., & Tiberius, V. (2018). Does affirmative action still have a place in modern society? Journal of Applied Social Science, 12(2), 51-69.

Clayton, E. C., & Myers, W. E. (2002). Affirmative action in the United States: Twenty-five years after the Bakke decision. Journal of Social Issues, 58(2), 205–218.

What is affirmative action? (2020). Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/history/35th/thelaw/affirmative_action.html

Affirmative action (2020). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/affirmative-action

阐述

Counter Argument

Counter-argument is an argument presented by one side that refutes or rebuts an argument previously presented by another side. In argumentative writing and debate, counter-argument can be used to rebut an experience or point expressed by the opposite side. Counter-argument is an effective way to test the validity of an original argument by providing evidence as to why the original argument might be wrong.

Counter-argument is a common practice in academic writing and dialogue, allowing the further exploration of complex issues and strengthening a position by considering an opposing view. A writer using specific counter-argument must demonstrate an understanding of the counter-argument, by proving the flaw or hole in the opposition’s argument. Forcing an argument to contend with an opposing view increases the sophistication and credibility of them argument, as well as demonstrating critical thinking skills.

Counter-argument is also an opportunity for the writer/participant to learn from others. Examining an opposing viewpoint can help the writer understand and empathize with the opposition and provide guidance for further exploration and research. By compounding evidence with counter-argument, a writer can create a comprehensive, effective position that has been considered from a variety of angles.

Counter- argument is a tool used in rhetorical debate and writing that plays a critical role in developing meaningful arguments and insights. It is essential for creating the friction and challenges necessary in reasoned dialogue. Counter-argument is an imperative part of forming a wide-angle argument that consider multiple positions, allowing readers and participants to explore difficult issues in an effective, intelligent manner.