Help with a debate for school on race matters!?

Question

I'm doing a debate, the topic i was given is affirmative action and I have to be on the side that is for it... Now I have some valid points for it. but i wanted to know if anyone had any pints for or against it so i can know how to argue it.

these are great!!! keep um coming helping

Answer 1

The theory behind affirmative action is that, after years of discrimination, you cannot just give a race or gender "equal" rights and expect them to perform well. The theory has some practical merit. And in the 1970s, the U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled that state institutions could violate the Equal Protection Clause of 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (i.e., by discriminating against whites through affirmative action) in order to promote a "compelling state interest" - to redress past wrongs upon a race of people or more generally, a "suspect class." Eventually, women (as a gender) were included in the suspect class. However, within the last few years, the U.S. Supreme Court has whittled away the public university's ability to use affirmative action to recruit students.

The question is whether affirmative action is still necessary after 30+ years of "equal" rights. Certain Asian immigrants, who were particularly discriminated against during WW2, were able to become economically successful within one generation. Why have other races (e.g., Native American, African American), which have had the benefit of 30+ years of affirmative action, NOT been as successful? Has affirmative action really worked?

The second argument against affirmative action is political. Look at the answers to your question - affirmative action is clearly a polarizing issue, and most Americans believe that "equal protection" should apply to everybody as a matter of principle. The result is backlash - African-Americans who are successful are labeled as having benefited from affirmative action, even though they may not have. This just raises racial tension. Nowhere is this racial backlach and revolt by the majority more prevalant than with the aggressive attempts by liberals to integrate the schools and busing crises of the mid-1970s.

Keep in mind that the U.S. Constiution and state constitutions (as interpreted by the courts) prevent a "state" actor (e.g., a public university or public school) from violating the constitutions, and Congress and the state legislaturs cannot enact laws that violate the constitutions. On the other hand, Congress enacts civil rights laws that attempt to keep private actors (e.g., a private business) from discriminating against others. However, while Congress can prevent private institutions from discriminating based on race or sex, it can not force a private institution (e.g., a private school or university) to enact an affirmative action program, although many have done so voluntarily. As such, affirmative action is not as prevelant as many might have you believe.

Answer 2

A point against is: It is a form of racial bias. Why should an institution such as a University give preferential treatment to a minority? Is that not giving the impression that we as a society believe that they are not smart/good enough to gain entrance on their own merits? Also if two equally qualified individuals apply for the same position, should it be the gender or race that puts one over the top? Does that not sound like a form of racism?

Answer 3

Well after so many moons of mis-educating blacks , Native Americans ,Hispanics and others , affirmative action gives these people an opportunity to go high in college and do something with their lifes. Is like a caged bird, once out of the cage it must be thaught to fly again! Good -luck.

Answer 4

As a citizen of my country I am sad to say i have to drop out of a wonderful class and attend another school because foreign people are the rule here
I am a tax paying citizen of USA. I should be able to speak my own language and learn others at my leisure not theirs.

Answer 5

Ask Tony Dungee or Lovie Smith

Answer 6

Affirmative Action had its place at one time, but like all good things that started of positive (ACLU anybody????), it has been abused and actually creates divides instead of healing them.

Answer 7

i don't think of they might desire to remember one bit. Intelligence and information and ability does remember nevertheless and regrettably, she only does not have adequate of any of that be in this race as vp, nevermind President pick might desire to that subject modern-day itself. human beings can say Obama lacks journey to boot, and consistent with probability in some approaches he does, however the version is Obama is quite, exceedingly intelligent and does have extra journey than she does and Republicans only would be unable to look to stand that.

Answer 8

Giving one side racial preference is great. Like Borat said "What a country". I mean too give Black over white of course.

Answer 9

Affirmitive action helps those who are less qualified not people who are black, its stupid.

Who cares the what the color of your skin is the most qualified person should get the job.