"Affirmative action" refers to efforts to redress imbalances in the workplace, university, or other institution by actively seeking out candidates who have traditionally been excluded, such as members of racial minorities and women. In the past, certain Americans have been excluded from full participation in the American economy. Racial discrimination and sexual discrimination are the two primary reasons for this. Even if we assume that such discrimination has been eliminated, it is believed that special efforts need to be taken to make up for past sins. Affirmative action is a way of seeking out candidates from previously excluded groups and may include preferential treatment in order to elevate minority candidates above other candidates in order to achieve some form of racial or gender balance. The goal is admirable, but the means can lead to conflict and to a system in which excellence is not the primary criterion for advancement. Critics charge that this is precisely what has happened. They also charge that affirmative action has in fact been damaging to the very minorities it has been intended to help, but this conclusion in incorrect. In fact, affirmative action has been good for minorities and has provided them with opportunities they otherwise would not have had.
The primary argument swirling around affirmative action programs has concerned the fairness of such programs. Proponents of affirmative action state that certain minority groups need extra consideration to make up for past sins and to provide the basis for future advancement on a level playing field. They say that affirmative action is necessary now to assure a completely fair workplace in the future. Opponents state that affirmative action is "reverse discrimination," or discrimination against the majority group applicants, all through no fault of their own. Opponents of affirmative action state that all discrimination should be eliminated and that on...