An American Reality

by omonoid in Government, July 17, 2007

Less than a decade ago, the “American family” was all white, representing the typical assumption or idea that to be American was to be white. The US population has diversified during the last thirty years as the minority population growth exploded, compared with the more sedate growth of the white population (US Census Bureau). Now the typical “American family” may consist of a variety of ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.

To many Americans, affirmative action is simply leveling the playing field by providing equal opportunities, but there are too many problems created. Reverse discrimination, treating minorities as a group, insulting the very people that are supposed to be helped, and societies acceptance of racist feelings are among the few problems that arise. Affirmative action was designed to create equality for minorities in America.

However, the benefits that only a few derive do not outweigh the problems and controversies that have been created because of affirmative action. Although the intentions are just and are an effort to “actively [prevent] discrimination,” affirmative action does not help those people that need it most and is actually hurtful to both minorities as well as the rest of American society (Reskin 1).