Affirmative Action is Reverse Discrimination Essay

Racial discrimination has long been an issue especially in the United States which is considered as a melting pot of different people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Black people have experienced extreme even radical form of discrimination for centuries, but now, the black people found an ally in the affirmative action policy. This policy, after some time of implementation sparked debate since some people, even the blacks themselves, say that giving racial preferences is never a good thing. The policy has affected admission aspects in schools and employment in jobs. Two job applicants, a white male and a black male, even with the same qualifications, the black male will likely get the job because of racial preference provided by affirmative action. Black people are being given a definite advantage and white people would find this an unfair treatment. The same goes for school admission policies where minorities are being given a higher preference over white people in order to maintain a diverse student body. Thesis Affirmative action laws were made to eliminate or reduce discriminatory acts but there are numerous claims that these laws have reversed the tide. Affirmative actions laws may no longer be considered fair in this current setting since it only results in reverse discrimination and it is no longer an effective means of providing opportunities for minority groups. This reverse discrimination is constituted by racial preferences for blacks. This racial preference clouds the judgment of many educational institutions and employers since racial background is being analyzed instead of just the plain qualifications which some white people might find inappropriate. Affirmative action was envisioned to put an end to racial discrimination especially against black people. Under this policy, black people were given higher preferences in job and in admission policies in universities. This is however not an answer to eliminating discrimination. Instead of giving higher preferences to those people who are being discriminated such as the black people, a better alternative solution to racial discrimination would be to find steps to eliminate discriminatory acts and leveling the field so that all people from different ethnic backgrounds will be presented with equal opportunities. Since the black people are being given higher preferences, this may appear as a form of discrimination against white people. Affirmative action, instead of fulfilling its intention of eliminating discrimination, rather contributes to it. One of the major focuses of the affirmative action debate is its inclusion in university admission policies which show higher preferences for black applicants. Many people have been calling for the ban of the use of affirmative action in the public arena. Voters in California, Washington and Michigan have already submitted amendments to their state constitutions that would prohibit the use of affirmative action in the public setting (Prince & Ryan, 2007). According to actor and columnist Joseph Phillips, affirmative action is not an issue of nondiscrimination, it is now about racial preferences. He emphasized on the point that racial preferences is not an effective way of fighting racism, instead, it brings about negative stereotypes especially in the educational sector wherein it pertains to a person’s intellectual capacity and academic capabilities (Prince & Ryan, 2007). In a Supreme Court ruling in 2003 which involves the University of Michigan which makes use of racial preferences in its admission policies, the court highlighted the goal of having a diverse student body which is brought about by affirmative action but critics say that this decision by the court would only spark more law suits and that the critics of affirmative action would continue to put pressure on the Department of Education to discontinue the use of the policy (Marklein, 2003). Evidences have been presented regarding the effects of affirmative action; however, these evidences always seem imperfect and ambiguous. A review of the policy during the Clinton administration indicated that active federal enforcement of the policy in the 1970s resulted in government contractors moderately increasing the hiring of minority workers. Studies have indicated that there is only a meager increase in the employment of black males. Employment share of black males in contractor firms in 1974 was 5. 8 percent and this figure only increased to 6. 7 percent in 1980. On the other hand, the increase in non-contractor firms was from 5. 3 percent to 5. 9 percent. Also, a substantial number of black government employees got their jobs or promotion to managerial rank because of affirmative action even if qualifications are questionable (Galston). In the education sector, it was only during the height of the affirmative action policy that the enrollment of black people was on a steady rise. From only 4. 9 percent in 1955, black enrollment went up to 7. 8 percent in 1970. The figure further increased to 9. 1 percent in 1980 and 11. 3 percent in 1990. On the other hand, according to a report from the Census Bureau, Hispanics holding bachelor’s degrees or other advanced degrees went up to 9 percent in 1994 from only 5 percent in 1970 while the rate for blacks is 12. 9 percent from 4. 5 percent (Galston). Another issue that rises with affirmative action is that minority groups may gain an image of inferiority since the whites may think that a black student was able to enter the university or a black person is able to get a job only because of affirmative action even if the black person has all the necessary qualifications (Hoffman). Overall, the past 30 years has been fruitful for the black people as they generally lived better lives with better education and income all because of racial preferences. This has resulted into what Seymour Martin Lipset classifies as a â€Å"growing differentiation† within the community of black people from the growing black middle class to the ghetto poor. The affirmative action program would work better if it would remove barriers for those who have the credentials to succeed instead of giving them a definite advantage in admissions. Anti-Thesis Supporters of affirmative action make use of the argument that it is necessary for the people compensate for years of discriminations against blacks. Many black people approve of affirmative action because it provides recompense against the discrimination that they have experienced and endured in the past but not all black people share this kind of insight. Steele said that, theoretically, affirmative action is in moral symmetry with fairness. She described the policy as reformist and corrective as well as repentant and redemptive. The country is trying to make up for its sins and wants to correct it but black people will lose more than what they will gain from the policy (Steele). Some also argue that it is difficult to remove stereotyping and discrimination without the policy and that it is needed to maintain diversity. Another argument states that affirmative action should continue because racism still exists in this society. The argument that affirmative action is needed for the white people to compensate for the discrimination against blacks is shrouded in hatred and appears as a form of retaliation against the white people. However, retaliation will not improve the situation. It might even spark more discrimination against black people if affirmative action policies continue to be implemented and this could lead to more hatred and discrimination against the minority groups. According to Kimberle Crenshaw, a professor of law at the University of California, affirmative actions removes the obstacles so that people from the minority groups can qualify and compete. With affirmative action, blacks, Hispanics and other minority group find it easier to get a job because of racial preferences geared toward these minorities (Prince & Ryan, 2007). Affirmative action exists because there is discrimination, if there is no discriminations, affirmative action would not be needed in this society. The fact that affirmative action exists is because there is still discrimination and it is still needed in the current setting. Those who believe that affirmative action is in conflict with their interest must be made to see what benefits it provides to the society. Racism is still dominant in the United States which is why affirmative action must stay (Noguera, 1996). According to Linda Chavez, founder and president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, the Michigan University case speaks of admission and scholarship programs for minority groups which make use of substantially different standards and must include the racial background. People against the policy said that they will take their case to the ballots but the court has already made it clear that it is the university’s prerogative to include race in the admission policy to ensure the diversity of the student body (Marklein, 2003). The 2003 Supreme Court ruling allowed admission officials to consider race in the selection process. Colleges and universities have no obligation to use racial preferences but they may adopt such policies to meet a satisfactory level of student diversity. Arthur Coleman, a former official under the Department of Education said that adopting diversity is a choice and is not mandated by any law or policy. According to a survey by Public Agenda, 79 percent of Americans agreed that it is important for schools to have a diverse student body while only 54 percent approved of affirmative action programs. In a separate poll conducted by Gallup before the court handed out its ruling, only 49 percent said that they are in favor of affirmative action while 43 percent said that they are not in favor (Marklein, 2003). Synthesis Affirmative action was made to eliminate discrimination but discrimination would not likely be eliminated if the method used to eliminate it is discriminating in itself since it results in a reverse discrimination. Instead of blacks being discriminated, the white people are now the ones being discriminated because of racial preferences given to black people in school admission policies and employment opportunities. Arguing that affirmative action is fair because blacks were once discriminated to a great extent is not valid since it is only driven by hatred towards white people who were discriminating the blacks and other minorities (Steele). Also, continuing affirmative actions only causes white people to hate the blacks because of the racial preferences that they are being handed. White people who believe that they have the qualifications but are turned down while a black person gets in may think that affirmative action gave him a disadvantage and not because the black person is really qualified (Hoffman). Affirmative action will not eliminate racial discrimination but it rather contributes to it. The policy may have its benefits every now and then, but generally, it is no longer applicable in the current setting as more and more white people are feeling the negative effects of the policy. It does remove barriers so that people from minorities can compete but it comes with a price. They gain an image of inferiority because people may think that it is only because of affirmative action that they have reached a certain level of success and not because they are really qualified (Hoffman). The Supreme Court has handed out its decision in the Michigan University case and the decision maintained that the school may use the race as part of the admission policy to maintain the diversity of the student body. Even without affirmative action, colleges can use race as a basis of application to meet a desired rate of student diversity since having a diverse student body promotes a better learning environment (Marklein, 2003). Ultimately, data indicates that affirmative action is no longer effective which means that it is time to adopt an alternative policy (Galston). A better way of embracing diversity would be to encourage minorities from a young age to work for their goals and get a good education. Assisting people from poor socio-economic backgrounds to gain resources and motivation should also be done so that they will also be competent when it comes to school admission and job-seeking. This is a lot better than giving them preferential treatment because they would not be treated as inferiors (Hoffman). Conclusion To conclude, affirmative action may have been an effective way of reducing racial discrimination against minorities, but now, it is no longer applicable to be used in the current setting since it results in reverse discrimination. The white people are now put in a seat that was once held by other minorities. Affirmative action might trigger hate targeted towards the blacks and other minorities because of the reverse discrimination. The policy which gives racial preferences also connects inferiority with minority groups. A better way of eliminating discrimination is by leveling the playing field not by racial preferences but by providing equal opportunities for whites and minority groups. References Prince, Andrew & Ryan, Erica. 21 November 2007. Is it Time to End Affirmative Action?. National Public Radio. Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://www. npr. org/templates/story/story. php? storyId=16337441 Marklein, Mary Beth. 24 June 2003. Despite ruling, affirmative action debate is far fr

Customer perspectives revisited Essay

When a business loses the drive to pursue and retain customers, it loses its soul and therefore the right to exist. No business can function, thrive or prosper without a reliable customer base. In the customer perspective theory BSC makes it clear that it is not only essential to know who the target customers are and how a business can better serve that customer base. The BSC identifies three primary ways of providing services to customers in the Balance scorecard system. Operational excellence emphasizes low prices, and convenience ( Nevin 2003). Product leadership focuses on providing the  best product in the market. In customer intimacy the business stresses the development of long term relationships with the customer, doing whatever is necessary to know what it is that the customer truly wants. It does so while maintaining as much knowledge as possible of its customers. The reason for these efforts in acquiring superior customer knowledge comes down to the point that the businesses are attempting to provide as much satisfaction to the customers as possible. The other reasons include customer loyalty and the need for more market share. (Balancedscorecard. org. ) INTERNAL PROCESS PERSPECTIVE REVISITED: This area focuses on identification of the things that would need to be done in order to continue to add value to the customers and ultimately to the shareholders (Nevin 2003). The internal process aims to serve the customer and increase the total value of the organization, as well as keep record of the companies progress. The team’s objective is primarily to develop better products, to find better ways of manufacturing better products. To find better ways of delivering their products, and to find better ways of delivering better services after the products had been delivered. LEARNING AND GROWTH PERSPECTIVE REVISITED: This may actually be the most important aspect of the entire process. Organizations would get as far as their employees could take them. A team that lacks knowledge may not be able to provide the necessary services required by the customers. Therefore genuine effort must be made to keep employees abreast of necessary information. And that is what the learning and growth perspective tries to define. It emphasizes that information be made available to the employees. It requires the employees skills be as sharp as necessary. It does not want employees to be ignored. Again the key here is that any organization would only go as far as the employees could take it. With adequate care and education, employees can only do better for the company. It is important to point out that the BSC system does not ignore the financial perspective. But the key is that when a company has satisfied the other objectives, that company stand a pretty good chance of doing well financially. BALANCE SCORECARD AS A STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Obviously putting a business and management strategy is important, but no strategy will function if it does not actually get implemented. So the first step in resolving the  issue of non-implementation, is to identify what the potential problems towards implementation may be, and then address those issues. According to fortune magazine (1999) about 70% of strategies are poorly executed, so how can it be executed better. Both the team and the management must pay attention to the four barriers: the vision barrier, the people barrier, the resource barrier, and the management barrier. (1) VISION BARRIER: To overcome the vision barrier, employees must not be kept in the dark. The BSC wants management to be very clear as to what the vision is. When possible place a figure on the  vision . For instance if the goal is to manufacture products without defects 90 % of the time, then it may be made clearer by stating exactly that. That figure of 90% translates the vision to a level that could not be misunderstood. Give the employees the appropriate knowledge base and strategic structure, that makes the entire strategic objective easier to follow. Management should facilitate a total understanding of the strategy and the whole structure in order to enable all the team members to fully understand the strategy and therefore work towards achieving it as a unit. (Kaplan & Norton).

Most Effective Form of Power

In Chapter 13, we have learned about Power. In section 3. 1, there is a discussion regarding the 6 bases of power. Which type of power do you feel is most effective? Do you possess any of these powers? Please feel free to draw from outside of the business world if you would like. There are six different types of power to include legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, information power, and referent power. Upon studying the lesson from Chapter 13, I believed the most effective type of power is referent power, â€Å"the ability to attract others, win their admiration, and hold them spellbound† (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Unfortunately, I was studying the material as if each individual only holds one type of power. Throughout my research on this topic, I came across an article by Harold Fuqua, Jr. , Kay Payne, and Joseph Cangemi who state, â€Å"an effective leader rarely depends on only one source or base of power† (n. d. ). With this, I discovered the most effective type of power is actually a combination of expert, reward, and referent power. Based on my personal experiences, I have come to the following conclusions regarding the three different types of power that are the most effective when combined. Expert power is â€Å"power that comes from knowledge and skill† (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Expert power is important because those who look up to you â€Å"will be dependent on your wisdom and knowledge to help them succeed† (Exforsys Inc. , 2006). In addition, people must not only believe it but must see it so it is imperative for a leader to ensure their â€Å"actions speak louder than their words† (Exforsys Inc. , 2006). I personally find this to be true. In the legal field, expert witnesses are used during courts to testify as to validity of certain evidence. Past experience working with the panel members (equivalent to civilian jury) shows they put more credibility into an expert witness who speaks in terms of science verse an expert witness who tries to dumb it down regardless of their actual knowledge level. Reward power, â€Å"the ability to grant a reward, such as an increase in pay, a perk, or an attractive job assignment† (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012), at first glance seem to be the most effective type of power. Most people will strive to complete a job if there is something in it for them at the end. However a 1999 survey of performance-based work/life programs showed only â€Å"66. 8% of the respondents determine the impact of this type of program would improve employee satisfaction† (Prudden, n. d. ). This statistic shows although it might sometimes be an effective type of power, it is not necessarily the most effective. In addition, Liz Prudden points out several potential pitfalls to a reward program, one of which stood out in my mind as the largest downfall, to â€Å"match the reward and recognition to the recipient† (Prudden, n. . ). I find this to be true because if you have two individuals’ working toward a specific goal number, but one individuals’ tasks are more difficult and time consuming, the easier tasked worker has a higher chance of reaching the goal first and therefor obtaining the reward. Finally, referent power is â€Å"power that stems from the personal characteristics of the person such as the degree to which we like, respect, and want to be like them† (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Referent power is important because â€Å"Power is the individual’s capacity to move others, to entice others, to persuade and encourage others to attain specific goals or to engage in specific behavior; it is the capacity to influence and motivate others† (Fuqua, Jr. , Payne & Cangemi, n. d. ). To truly have somebody follow a leader, they need to like or respect the leader. As an example, I previously had a supervisor that I hated. I followed her orders and direction because I had to, but no additional effort was made to go above and beyond. However, I now work for a supervisor that I admire and strive to be like. Now I find myself working harder and am more productive than I was with my prior supervisor. There is no perfect single type of power and rarely will life require only one type of power to truly motivate others. It is imperative to have multiple types of power in order to effectively motivate others in all situations and scenarios. I personally have achieved expert power and referent power. I have expert power in my job because I have been doing the job for eight years, more than most paralegals as many others transfer in nd out while I have only done paralegal work. As such, I have worked extensively in all areas of our career field and am normally the one assigned to train others. I know I have referent power because I have attorneys vying to have me be placed on their team. I have others striving to constantly have a good attitude and smile like I do (so I have been told). These two areas that I have gained some power in, but I have a lot to strive for in the future to obtain more power options. References Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2012). Organizational behavior. (Version 1.1, Ch. 13). Irvington, NY: Flat World Knowledge Inc. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.apus.edu/login?url=http://ebooks.apus.edu/MGMT311/Bauer_Ch13-15.pdf Exforsys Inc. (2006). The importance of using expertise to lead. Retrieved from http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/leadership-skills/the-importance-of-using-expertise-to-lead.html Fuqua, Jr., H., Payne, K., & Cangemi, J. (n.d.). Leadership and the effective use of power. Informally published manuscript, Western Kentucky University, Retrieved from http://www.nationalforum.com/Electronic%20Journal%20Volumes/Fuqua,%20Jr.,%20Harold%20E.%20Leadership%20and%20the%20Effectives%20Use%20of%20Power.pdf Prudden, L. (n.d.). Reward and recognition. Retrieved from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/arossett/pie/Interventions/incentivesrewards_1.htm

Analysis of Citizen Kane Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Citizen Kane - Essay Example and Orson Welles, was full of remarkable scenes and performances. It was able to deliver good narrative techniques and showed fantastic innovations in photography, editing, and sound. However, the film was linked to controversies and negative gossips. In fact, the persons behind the making of this film had received threats through intimidation, blackmail, newspaper smears, discrediting and even was subjected to FBI investigations before the day of its premiere in 1941 in New York City (â€Å"Citizen Kane†). Some watchers found the film as wonderful and extraordinary; others said it was just a mere fiction. Despite the good compliments of some, the film was accused of drawing remarkable, unflattering, and uncomplimentary parallels, not to mention the scene where Susan Alexander Kane character--how it was portrayed to real life. In addition, many did not give ‘nod’ to the film because it was accused of negative fictionalizing and caricaturing of certain events and i ndividuals, especially individuals like in the life of William Randolph Hearst, a prominent and powerful newspaper magnate and publisher.

POPULAR SCIENCE ARTICLE Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

POPULAR SCIENCE - Article Example It stays this way to protect itself against adverse conditions for long periods of time, in order to wait for a better time period to grow. Through experimental incubation, these spores are revived, which seem to have come from deeper hot spots inside the ocean. These newly discovered bacteria have very similar genetic characteristics to a set of bacteria found from offshore oil reservoirs. Hubert, a PhD in petroleum microbiology states that  that surveys will be able to pinpoint the exact  place from where these microorganisms have originated. He believes they might have some interesting applications, that is, if they are coming from petroleum reservoirs. These bacteria were found to be anaerobic, as they were found in high number in the sediments. Hubert stated that a source of the bacteria could be the oil reservoir and another could be that the fluid circulation through the ocean crust at the spreading ridges where hydrothermal vents are present. While these spores are extremely helpful in tracking down marine hot spots, they also offer new information about the wild life and everything about the different variety of things here in the biosphere. The bacterial species  found  in  the  environment  hide  many  of the minor groups of bacteria that apparently  don’t seem to participate in  the  functioning  of  the  ecosystem. These dormant thermophiles can be a useful key in understanding how diverse is the marine ecosystem and how well it is maintained by the submissive spreading of cells over a large area. These arctic thermophiles can be the holders of great and important clues to solve broader riddle of biogeography and biodiversity.   The thermophiles are a form of bacteria that live and breed in hot places and kill organisms around them (Kristjà ¡nsson; p 43). These are grouped into two types, either Prokaryotes or Eukaryotes.   They breed in temperatures that range between 50C to 70C. Studying these

Behavioral Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques Essay

Behavioral Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques - Essay Example While he was standing in line, my cousin’s wife decided to go around the mall and just meet him somewhere after he was done. Around fifteen minutes after his wife left, my cousin left the bank. He called her on her cellular phone but there was no answer. So, he went to the usual shop he knew she liked. Five minutes later, his phone went off and it was his wife calling from the bank. He tells her to wait for him there. When they meet, he finds out that she had been on her way back to the bank, located on the first level, right after he had gone to the second level to look for her. They tried a newly-opened Italian restaurant for lunch. He got a medium-sized pizza for himself and she had an order of spaghetti. After eating, they headed to the supermarket to buy what they needed for the week. When they were done at the supermarket, they decided to head home so my cousin’s wife could take a nap. On the way home in the car, my cousin’s wife fell asleep and didn’t wake up until they got home. Since she was able to sleep a bit in the car, my cousin’s wife announced that she was making dinner early so she and my cousin could watch a movie at home before going to sleep. My cousin agreed. I think that the structural technique was better in this situation because I did not really want to know anything in particular. In the beginning, I used the traditional technique and asked the WH-questions. (Gosselin, 2007, p. 4-5) This is why I was able to know the date and time of some events. However, unless I asked something, my cousin would not give me additional information. Later on, I switched to the structural technique. This proved to be a lot better. I was still about to get information from my cousin. Moreover, he sensed that I was urging him to continue after his replies so he continued telling me his story. I mostly nodded to show him I understood what he was saying. I also asked follow-up questions which encouraged him to talk more. Since he was very

A report to identify operational risk failures of the Fukushima Essay

A report to identify operational risk failures of the Fukushima nuclear disaster - Essay Example For the entire extensive fact, it offers what the report cannot completely convey - specifically to a worldwide onlookers - is the approach that reinforced the laxity behind this tragedy. What ought to be acknowledged - very excruciatingly - is that the disaster was "occasioned in Japan." Rendering to ICANPS website, its essential roots are to be established in the entrenched customs of Japanese ethnicity: their reflexive obedience, their hesitance to question authority, their devoutness to abiding with the schedule, their groupism, and their insularity. The TEPCO and government were unsuccessful in preventing the tragedy not because a big tsunami was unexpected, but since they were unwilling to invest effort, money and time in shielding against a natural tragedy reflected as unlikely. The regulatory and utility bodies were excessively self-assured that events a far from the latitude of their suppositions would not transpire and were not conscious that assesses to avoid the severest situation were truly full of cracks. TEPCO had actually pondered in on an assessment concerning earthquake threat and inquired the government to essentially underplay the probability of a tidal wave in the area, an interim report said. The board's report criticized an insufficient legal structure for nuclear disaster management, emergency-command confusion triggered by the TEPCO and government, and conceivable excess interfering on the involvement from prime minister's bureau in the initial phase of the predicament. The board settled that a background of complacency concerning nuclear welfare and poor disaster management steered towards the nuclear catastrophe. This was according to ICANPS official website. Japanese officials overlooked the threats of a nuclear calamity since they believed in the 'myth of atomic safety', such as the idea that serious calamities do not take place at nuclear-powered enclosures in Japan. The essential problem falls in the point that functionalities, to gether with TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power), and the regime failed to perceive the risk as reality. The interim report also articulated that TEPCO and the government believed the 'idea that severe misfortunes do not ensue at nuclear enclosures in their country'. "Since the administration and the energy utilities, as well as TEPCO, were prejudiced by the security myth, reasoning they would certainly not ever encounter such a severe calamity, they were notable to apprehend that such a catastrophe might occur in actuality. The panel declared in its concluding report that this seemed to remain as the essential problem. TEPCO therefore failed to warm up for sufficient tsunami safeguards or disaster management measures to cope with a base blackout. The board's report revealed that the Fukushima catastrophe arose because persons did not grasp the effect of natural cataclysms seriously. Yotaro Hatamura, an engineer professor at the University of Tokyo who oversaw the commission, expressed in a news session that even although there existed new discoveries about the threat of a tidal wave, TEPCO might not have seen it since people are visionless to anything they do not plan to see. This was according to Asian News International article. The board proposed that post-Fukushima protection steps put in place