The Opportunity of Cedric Jennings Persuasive Essay by Nicky
The Opportunity of Cedric Jennings
A discussion on affirmative action and its influence on the stratification of society, with a reference to the case of Cedric Jennings.
# 149669
| 1,474 words
| 2 sources
| MLA
| 2011
| 
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Description:
The paper discusses the structure of opportunity in America where in order to achieve financial security and stability, an adequate school and college education is necessary. The paper then describes how Cedric Jennings attended a very low performing school and was therefore at a huge disadvantage when he applied to Brown University. The paper uses this case to argue that greater care needs to be taken to ensure equal opportunities earlier in life, rather than later. The paper therefore believes that affirmative action's redistribution of social and financial resources should address high school and even elementary school funds.
From the Paper:
"In cannot be denied that racism is still prevalent in society today; the extreme stratification that exists along racial lines is observable in almost any urban area in the country. A look at recent census bureau data reveals that poverty levels across the nation show a disproportionate number of African-Americans are living at or below the poverty line, evening comparison with other minorities (U.S. Population Statistics). The same source shows that African-Americans are less likely to be employed or fully employed, and even when they have the same jobs as equivalent white people they make thousands of dollars less per year (U.S. Population Statistics). African-Americans are less likely to have a high school diploma, less likely to go to and graduate from college, and do more poorly academically overall (U.S. Population Statistics). All of this leads to some serious questions for a nation that purports to provide equal opportunities for all of its citizens; obviously, this is not the case."How to address the definite inequalities that exist in United States' policy and society has been a matter of serious debate for many years--since before slavery was abolished, even. From financial assistance and other aid and educational programs to hosts of anti-discrimination laws and lawsuits, a variety of methods have been suggested and implemented in an attempt to correct the racial divide that persists in this country to this day (Sykes)."
Sample of Sources Used:
- Sykes, Marquita. "The Origins of Affirmative Action." National Organization for Women. Accessed 27 July 2009. http://www.now.org/nnt/08-95/affirmhs.html
- U.S. Population Statistics. Accessed 27 July 2009. http://www.maec.org/stats.html
Cite this Persuasive Essay:
APA Format
The Opportunity of Cedric Jennings (2011, December 28)
Retrieved December 10, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/the-opportunity-of-cedric-jennings-149669/
MLA Format
"The Opportunity of Cedric Jennings" 28 December 2011.
Web. 10 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/the-opportunity-of-cedric-jennings-149669/>