Thomas Hill discusses three philosophical views of affirmative action; the forward-looking perspective, the backward-looking perspective, and the narrative perspective. The forward-looking perspective is used by those who feel affirmative action should be supported because of the future consequences. The backward-looking perspective is utilized by those who believe that affirmative action should be supported because of what has happened in the past and the need for reparation of the acts. The narrative perspective has components from both of the aforementioned arguments for affirmative action, and a few ideas of its own. In this paper, I will discuss the all of the theories above and why it is that I feel that the narrative perspective is the best approach for affirmative action. .
For those who support the forward-looking perspective, affirmative action is a good thing because, as a utilitarian would believe, the morally correct act is one in which the best consequences are produced for the greatest number of people. Some examples of positive consequences could be an ease in racial tension, a reduction in unemployment, or an enhancement of the self-esteem of minorities and women. Of course those believe the forward-looking perspective must also look at the possible negative effects of affirmative action. A few examples of negative consequences include: a temporary increase in racial tension, a damage in the respect of the minorities or women who rightly earned any positions, or damage to the self-esteem of those who accept affirmative action positions. Taking all of these possibilities into consideration, I conclude that the forward-looking perspective is not the best defense of affirmative action.
Another perspective that does not quite fulfill the requirements for the defense of affirmative action is the backward-looking perspective. This argument offers its support of affirmative action through the belief that past acts of wrong doing should be repaid.
The effects of affirmative action are hurtful to many people. I truly do not understand why there is such a thing as affirmative action. ... This aspect of affirmative action is strictly deontological. ... An example of a bad effect of affirmative action would be Pojman's experience. ... In conclusion the effects of affirmative action are bad. ...
Affirmative Action There is a lot to be said about affirmative action these days. ... HISTORY Affirmative action began in the 1960's under the John F. ... Enforcing affirmative action is explained in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. ... A backlash against affirmative action has sent a strong message that minorities and women may no longer get a helping hand from government and academia (Gibbons 1902). ... THE PROBLEM There are two enormous problems that I see with affirmative action. ...
Indeed, affirmative action has reduced racial injustices committed against minorities. ... Additionally, affirmative action demoralizes society--a burden often overlooked. ... Affirmative action, however, has taken that right and butchered it. ... By creating preferences, affirmative action "send[s] a message that those in favored groups are deemed incapable of meeting the standards that others are required to meet- (Grapes 44). ... Why, then, does affirmative action remain an extant policy? ...
The Affirmative Action Debate is one of the strongest that still rages today. ... I am in favor of Affirmative Action as it applies to college admissions. ... Talking about affirmative action almost always becomes personal for people. ... Before looking at affirmative action and college admissions from a sociological perspective my opinions about affirmative action were based almost entirely on personal experience. ... As a member of a minority group in college affirmative action has an emotional affect on me. ...
Kennedy after his assassination and continued his commitment to affirmative action. ... Flaws in affirmative action began to surface with reverse discrimination becoming an issue. Opposition towards affirmative action grew after Regents of the University of California v. ... There is no clear resolution in sight for Affirmative Action as it is continuously debated. ... With its mixed message not able to be understood by the public, that racial discrimination has come to be known as right and wrong. ...
Affirmed Discrimination The phrase affirmative action was first used by John F. ... The more recent notable affirmative action case involves the University of Michigan and its admission policies. ... In these documents the writers hoped to illustrate the importance of the affirmative action program. ... The retired generals also gave insight into the need for affirmative action. ... To combat this the military generals insists that affirmative action is the right move. ...
Is affirmative action really necessary? ... Nevertheless, the lack of affirmative action progress cannot be explained solely by arguments about the availability pool. ... My personal opinion is that institutions of higher education should experience more affirmative action success if they adopt proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to minority faculty. Visible and determined leadership by the chief executive and academic officers of the institution is the most important element that sets the stage for successful affirmative action. Strong leaders treat affirmative action as an institut...
Today the topic of affirmative action is a very sensitive and volatile subject. ... It appears that the issue of affirmative action can no longer be overlooked. ... The pros and cons on the demise of affirmative action. ... When the talk turns to affirmative action, I sit back and listen. ... The NAACP has responded to his drive with radio and TV ads statewide, town hall meetings and message in churches and street corners to convince voters that affir...
For one thing, early in the field's evolution, there did not appear to be enough effort put forth to distinguish diversity from Affirmative Action. ... Now, the more successful Affirmative Action is, the more diversity there will be and, therefore, a greater need for diversity efforts. What needs to be made clear, though, is that diversity work must happen even if Affirmative Action programs are eliminated. It also needs to be clarified that it is possible to philosophically disagree with Affirmative Action and be downright evangelical about diversity. It is the link to Affirmative Ac...
