Is affirmative Action essentially the same thing as equal employment opportunity?

I know they are the same as far as promotion and employment but differ in the actual concept. So I am confused if they are essentially the same. I want to say yes to this question, am I right?

They are different.

Affirmative action is the deliberate recruitment and employment of minorities, putting some of them ahead of qualified applicants from the majority groups. For instance, a police force may use affirmative action to hire African-Americans in about the same proportion as this minority is in the community.

Equal employment opportunity means that all people should be hired on the basis of their qualifications, not just because of their ethnicity, gender, or age.

Check these articles for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html

Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are related concepts, but they are not essentially the same thing. While they both aim to promote diversity and ensure fairness in employment practices, they approach this goal from different perspectives.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO) focuses on eliminating discriminatory practices and providing a level playing field for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It enforces laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in various aspects of employment, such as hiring, promotion, and compensation.

On the other hand, affirmative action goes beyond simply ensuring equal opportunity. It involves taking proactive steps to address past and ongoing discrimination and promote diversity. Affirmative action programs often involve setting goals and targets for hiring and promoting people from underrepresented groups, particularly in cases where historical discrimination has limited their access to opportunities.

So, while both equal employment opportunity and affirmative action strive for fairness and inclusivity in the workplace, affirmative action goes a step further by acknowledging and actively addressing historical inequalities.