by Dexter Rogers

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

Is affirmative action fair? The better question would be why was affirmative action even deemed necessary: but for purpose of this article the short answer is yes. Affirmative action is needed.

Too often people focus on the problems that arise from legislation and implementation instead of understanding why it was introduced to begin with. Dating back to the institution of slavery African Americans have been the recipients of consistent inequality on all levels of mainstream life. To bridge gaps affirmative action was introduced as a way to bring about social, economical, and political parity.

In theory it's a good concept but it's a shame the legislation has been so severely scrutinized by dissenters. If the Fouding Fathers and those oppressors who followed would've exercised better judgement and treatment of people whom didn't have the economic standing nor share their same complexion we wouldn't have this discussion today.

Affirmative action initially was for African Americans until it was amended to include women, handicaps, Hispanics, and Chicanos. The latter was done to limit African American opportunity because a segment of white America didn't like opportunities solely for African Americans. To adhere to their cries of unfairness the law was amended to include other groups.

Without question the biggest benefactor all affirmative action has been white women and not African Americans. For instance, many like to point to the fact many African Americans excel as professional athletes. They make millions of dollars for playing a game while many, including whites are struggling. But it must also be noted while the professional African American athlete makes millions whites still own the teams. Whites still control the legislation of American sport and are the major fan base. While there are some African Americans who can claim such affluence we must not be naive enough to assign such wealth to the majority of African Americans.

Again, affirmative action is needed. If used constructively those who benefit from it can help those who don't understand why it's needed for a segment of this country. Frankly speaking racism has been the ultimate thief of opportunity. Historically it's robbed people of opportunities and in some cases their lives. It's only fair that in some fashion some of what's been taken away, particularly from African Americans, is allocated back.

The debt owed for services rendered for building this country has yet to be addressed. Those who lost their lives during the heinous institution of slavery are rarely acknowledged. In putting the latter historical facts into perspective and if one is objective one shouldn't be so vehemently against affirmative action.

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