Positive action: equality for all? Affirmative action in the United States has become a misused and misguided practice in modern times. With the current form of affirmative action, it is impossible to create a truly equal society. Originally, it was an equal opportunity measure allowing qualified minorities access to positions denied to them because of their race. However, affirmative action has become a system of racial quotas that lower the standards for minority applicants to give them a chance to succeed in college, in jobs, and in leadership positions. At first glance, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea to impose racial quotas, because it increases diversity. But with racial quotas, qualified applicants for colleges, jobs, etc. are limited. are not allowed to receive the position for which they are qualified due to race-based quotas. Affirmative action contradicts itself by saying that racial discrimination is wrong and that we should all have equal opportunities in a colorblind society, but then it gives opportunities based solely on race. Affirmative action is unethical and this idea is supported by topics in moral philosophy such as Kantianism, utilitarianism, social contract, and virtue theory. The arguments against affirmative action are that it creates reverse discrimination, lowers standards for minorities, and devalues ​​the true achievements of minorities. The arguments for affirmative action are that it is necessary to: compensate minorities for centuries of slavery or oppression, help initially disadvantaged students, and increase diversity. One of the arguments against affirmative action is that it leads to reverse discrimination. Positive action is a preferential system put in place for the benefit of minorities, if two candidates with the same qualifications ...... middle of paper ......, and Democracy: the ethics of positive action " Public Productivity & Management Review Vol. 20, No. 3 (March 1997) (pp. 243-257) Jeffrey, Christinia. “Point: Rethinking Affirmative Action” Productivity and Public Management Review, Vol. No. 3 (March 1997), pp. 228-236Driscoll, Sally and Heather Newton. “Point: Affirmative Action is Unjust and Increases Racial Tension” (2009): 2. Reference Center. Viewpoints, March 6, 2011. Pearson, John. “Point: Affirmative Action and Racism.” Viewpoints: Affirmative Action (2009): 5. Viewpoint Reference Center, March 6, 2011. Aka, Philip. C. “Affirmative Action” and the Black Experience in America.” Human Rights: Journal of the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section 36.4 (2009): 8. Viewpoints Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. March 6. 2011.