Affirmative Action Dialogue Debate
A Dialogue of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity The debate over the permissibility of Affirmative Action (which I will abbreviate as AA throughout this paper), seems to be like a maze of words. One idea or belief leads to other linking ideas and the debate never seems to find an end. There are, like most moral topics, two opposing viewpoints. For the purpose of this paper, I will write a dialogue using an example from each side Alex is a white, middle-class man from an urban town, who has worked hard at academics to get himself to where he is right now. He is currently in the process of getting his graduate degree in law at a highly regarded Ivy League school. Beth, on the other hand, is a black woman from a low socio-economic background. Just like Alex, she has worked extremely hard to get to where she is today. She was also accepted into an Ivy League School and is in the process of getting her Business Degree. Similar as these two individuals may appear, however, there underlies hidden forms of passive and active discrimination that Beth has experienced on her way to success. Their experiences and beliefs will be analyzed in the
These two minorities have been placed "on the back-burner" for too long now. Sure white males may seem more qualified, but it would not be that way if white males and minorities both had equality of opportunity to begin with. Most importantly, once blacks are not seen as an outcaste group, or are "sociologically released", then they will start to feel better about themselves and their potential. Quota systems just make sure these playing fields are being leveled. If you level the playing field from the start then you cannot tilt it again in the future. I should also mention that I am dealing with AA based on race and gender. (Or fair equality of opportunity in the Hypothetical Social Contract framework and not Lockean, with no obligation. However, I hope this debate gave you, the reader, a clear understanding of the role that Affirmative Action plays on equal opportunity. B: Well, it is only fair to create equal opportunities for minorities and you must consider all factors. A: Well, basically I believe that all people should be treated alike and given the same opportunity to succeed. AA then leads to disaster for both the individuals and the institution. Beth overhears Alex talking about his thoughts on AA. Beth, a very opinionated woman, joins Alex at his table and they begin a fairly long discussion with their friends listening attentively. However, in this society the government does not have a quota on the amount of children born to one family. Therefore, I do not accept the weak or strong defense of AA.
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