can affirmative action laws ultimately hinder schools and the businesses from reaching their mass potential?

Question

this well be a debate in front of the whole school, and i need answers that go with the qustion and answers that is against it. thank you

Answer 1

First of all, I believe that you mean "max" potential, not "mass" potential.

Secondly, I am in favor of affirmative action because it provides for a broader perspective to be given to all students/workers involved, not just the minorities. It allows for diversity in schools and businesses to be maintained at, or above, a certain level. The diversity helps those from both ends of the spectrum to be more open to differing views, and it breeds tolerance and understanding.

Minorities, which may not come from the same privileged life as non-minorities, are given the chance to improve the way of life for the generations of minorities to come. A student growing up in an urban neighborhood with poor school funding, old textbooks, and crowded classrooms, is placed at a disadvantage from day 1. If such a student is able to sustain a B average in such an environment, in my opinion, it demonstrates that they are just as capable of succeeding at the next level, as an A student in a suburban lifestyle. Placing both types of students side-by-side at the next level allows for both to grow together and improve future societies to the point where affirmative action may no longer be necessary.

There are exceptions at the individual level, of course, but for the most part affirmative action is a highly positive influence in schools and businesses.

As for helping a company achieve it's max potential. Without affirmative action, the likelihood of a predominantly white business, or school, is much more likely. Such a company is bound to have individuals with similar backgrounds and similar ideas. Bringing in a diverse group of people would allow for a potentially wider range of ideas. They will be able to understand a wider base of their target market's needs and thought process. And, they will be able to keep up with the ever-growing trend of globalization by stepping outside of their ethnocentric view to see the world through the eyes of those around them.

Answer 2

Companies should hire the best person for the job. If it requires that the person take a test for the postion then the highest scores should be used. The problem is not the lack of education or the schools they went to. Affirmative action is the outcome of past business practices which were racist at times. For a true competitive marketplace their can be no affirmative action.

Answer 3

No, because mass is just warm bodies.

I think that being selected purely on race negates the fact that each person has a brain, which incidentally ...are all the same color.