Affirmative Action and Racial Preferences Policies

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that, while some people believe that affirmative action is necessary in the United States to ensure equal opportunities for minorities, the real outcome is reverse discrimination and injustice because racial quotas foster racism. The author points out that affirmative action was not supposed to last forever but was intended only to jump-start the machinery of tolerance and reason and then to be removed. The paper relates that affirmative action polices continue because of support (1) from the American politicians who understand that preferences are problematical but still want to be favorably viewed among the general population and (2) from potential grievants and the lawyers who represent them.

From the Paper:

"The traditional solution to the problem of racism is colorblindness, or individual awareness. For example, in the job sphere there are only three essential things an employer needs to know about an individual applicant. First, the employer should question whether the applicant has the relevant ability and knowledge or the capacity to learn readily. Second, the employer needs to know whether the person is willing to exert the needed effort. Finally, the applicant should be judged on his character, including traits like honesty and integrity."

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