The Errors in Affirmative Action :: Critical Thinking Essays

Although much of the reasoning behind Affirmative Action is good, it goes wrong in a few major ways. Affirmative action is meant to bring an end to discrimination. In trying to do so, though, it elevates the so-called disadvantaged minorities above other groups. In addition, the members of the particular minority groups are stereotyped according to the group they are in rather than being looked at as an individual. Affirmative action also makes the assumption that minority groups are, in fact, disadvantaged. Another result is that the tables are turned and whites are discriminated against. Lastly, and most importantly, Affirmative Action can force people to go against their religious beliefs, and in doing so, it breaks the First Amendment to the Constitution. To begin with, Affirmative Action is meant to bring an end to discrimination. In reality, it creates more discrimination in many different ways. For example, members of minorities are elevated above those in other groups. As the book states, Affirmative Action "seeks to correct the effects of past discrimination by favoring the groups who were previously disadvantaged. Favoring one group isn't any way of solving discrimination problems; it just creates more dissension between groups. According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, discrimination means "to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of." Affirmative Action directly creates discrimination. People of minority groups are stereotyped, often incorrectly, as being disadvantaged, simply because they are a member of that group. Not only is it stereotyping of minorities, but also of whites. It creates the assumption that whites are better off than minorities. Affirmative Action looks at the members of a group and makes assumptions, stereotyping the members in the group rather than taking each member of the group and examining that person. Members of minority groups often feel inferior because, as members of those groups, they get special privileges. According to the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the government cannot make laws "respecting an establishment of religion." The government cannot both support Affirmative Action and uphold the first amendment at the same time. The goals, actions, and restrictions resulting from Affirmative Action can easily be against a person's religious beliefs. Take, for example, beliefs on homosexuality. What happens to a religious organization that is against homosexuality and wants to have only straight members of their religion hired. According to Affirmative Action, they can't discriminate based on sexual orientation or religion.