What is Affirmative action? I have always hear this term but I am not sure what it really means. Many said that is is legalized racism but still I need a more define concept, something easier to understand.
Affirmative Action History — Infoplease.com
In its tumultuous 45-year history, affirmative action has been both praised ... Even in Bakke-the closest thing to a landmark affirmative action case-the ...
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/affirmative1.html
Affirmative Action (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
“Affirmative action” means positive steps taken to increase the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and business from ...
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/
Affirmative action - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term affirmative action describes many policies intended to promote access to education or employment for historically and socio-politically ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action
There are good definitions and explanations in these websites.
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what are the rights for wemon and minorities?
Affirmative action is a policy or set of policies that aims to address historical discrimination and promote equal opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged groups, such as racial or ethnic minorities, women, or individuals with disabilities. It involves taking proactive measures to eliminate barriers and provide preferential treatment in areas such as education, employment, and business.
To understand the concept better, I suggest breaking it down into its key components:
1. Historical Context: Affirmative action is rooted in the recognition that certain groups have historically been disadvantaged and discriminated against, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities. It seeks to rectify these imbalances.
2. Goal of Equality: The central objective of affirmative action is to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. It aims to level the playing field and create a more inclusive society.
3. Remedial Measures: Affirmative action involves implementing proactive measures to rectify past injustices. This may include policies such as preferential hiring or admission practices, quotas, or outreach programs to increase representation of disadvantaged groups.
The perception of affirmative action as legalized racism arises from the debate surrounding it. Critics argue that such policies can result in reverse discrimination, where individuals from privileged groups may face disadvantages. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that affirmative action is necessary to address systemic inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion.
Understanding these various perspectives can provide a more nuanced view of affirmative action. It's important to note that the specific implementation and effectiveness of affirmative action can vary across different contexts and jurisdictions.