at the bottom of the scale" (Verba and Orren 7). In order to create a fairer and more equal American society, it is necessary to stop such discriminatory practices. Only in this way will all members of society be given "an equal chance to achieve happiness" (VerbA and Orren 7). Furthermore, true equality will not come about until discrimination is stopped and the past effects of discrimination are fully rectified. These are the reasons that affirmative action is still important and necessary in the United States today. The situation which exists for minorities in this country cannot simply fix itself. Bernard E. Anderson, president of the National Economic Association, has pointed out that "even during the best of times, there will be no change in the relative position of minorities unless affirmative action or other special measures are taken" (45).
Without affirmative action, life would be a great deal more difficult for minority businesses and individuals alike. many companies in America would take advantage of the situation and discrimination and racism would again become commonplace in the nation's workplaces and schools. Without affirmative action, victims of discrimination would have a very difficult time getting their cases into the courts or winning them if they succeeded. Furthermore, those who did would "be more vulnerable to retaliation and harassment" ("Affirmative Action" 42). A common sense of justice and human decency requires that some attempt be made to protect the minorities of America, who are politically weaker than their white male counterparts and therefore "cannot procure alternatives to state protection of their interests" (Jordan 12). It is obvious that there is still a great deal of racism and discrimination throughout the United States today. For this reason, the protections to minorities and women provided by affirmative action are as valid and necessary today as they were when they were fir...