Racial Discrimination

Racial Discrimination

2005

In literature , the concept of racial discrimination is addressed from different approaches towards its formal definitions . From the critical standpoint , the definition utilized by the United Nations in its International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination provides the most adequate and complete explanation for the issue 'any distinction , exclusion , restriction or preference based on race , color , descent , or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition enjoyment or exercise , on an equal footing , of human

rights and fundamental freedoms in the political , economic , social , cultural or any other field of public life (UN , 1965 . In the United Stated contemporary context , after Civil Rights Movement

the most serious attempt to address pressing issue of racial discrimination was affirmative action , which appeared as a result of social controversies and inability of the state to provide sufficient solution to racial discrimination after Civil Rights Movement . Indeed era of discrimination brought significant sufferings to unprotected groups of society . Thus , the primary objective of affirmative action was to give minorities and women an equal opportunity at employment and in collegiate admissions . Whereas affirmative action was progressive and efficient social program during the period of discrimination and civil rights movement , in contemporary context the program gives minorities and women an unfair advantage . Disguised as an equal opportunity program affirmative action discriminates against non-minorities , forming this way reverse discrimination , which is practically undistinguishable from traditional racial discrimination From critical standpoint , affirmative action and thus overall anti-racial policies had positive effect on issues in employment however , remained more controversial in college admissions

Since the 1960s the area of law enforcement witnessed the greatest increase in minority applicants , and in jobs offered to minorities However , in the book From the Content of Our Character : A new Vision of Race in America ' author Shelby Steele refers to affirmative action as to a preferential treatment ' used to balance or proportionate racial representations ' in the society . In addition , Steele argues that affirmative action is the not the solution to today 's racial inequality . Moreover , careful analysis of contemporary social trends that affirmative action causes disparate impact

Racial preference programs are not the best method of overcome barriers that keep colored people out of prestigious positions , these are indirect ways that insult the capability and potential of minorities these programs simply add to the barriers . Criticizing affirmative action Bernbach claims that the program was and remains to be an exception to the constitution , because rather than treating people equally it treats minorities more favorably than others (Bernbach 102 The criteria of employment should not be based on color , however a priori it should be getting the most qualified person for the job , and second , rewarding the most merited candidate based on job-relevant qualifications (Glendon 87 . Affirmative action now promotes rewarding undeserving candidates . Positions and promotions are given on race rather than merit

Affirmative action in collegiate admissions has proven to be one of the most controversial issues of...