Are Affirmative Action Plans ethical?
In my opinion, there have been many positive benefits of Affirmative action programs. There are numerous success stories that clearly depict the positive impact of Affirmative action programs. Therefore, they should definitely continue.
First of all, the importance of affirmative action plans lies in the fact that "Race" and "Color" still rule the minds of people in USA. Discrimination still persists in the country and thus, a strong need for affirmative action arises. Secondly, the whole concept behind Affirmative action plans is misunderstood. Those protesting against affirmative action plans are spreading misconceptions about the program.
Affirmative action has been often mislabeled as "preferential treatment" for certain members of society. In reality, it is a kind of social restitution and an attempt to create a more democratic society. President Johnson, in describing affirmative action, stated, "You do not take a person who for years has been hobbled by chains, liberate him and bring him to the starting line of a race and say, 'You are free to compete with others,' and still justly believe that you have been completely fair." Thus, it is not enough just to open the gates of opportunity: all must have the ability to walk through those gates. Affirmative action is an attempt to facilitate a more level playing field.
Affirmative action Plans are not unique to women and people of color. White males are beneficiaries of many types of special programs, including programs that make exceptions to strict meritocracy. An example of such a benefit is from a 50 year old white male who was a high school dropout and was able to enter San Francisco State University through the re-entry program, which is a form of affirmative action. Having an affirmative action plan in an organization provides a remedy to discrimination. My reasons are listed below.
1. It creates...