Publisher's Synopsis
Affirmative action came on the scene in the 1960s because of efforts by the civil rights leaders to get America to honor its original contract, that and quot;all [people] are created equal." In addition, the Pledge of Allegiance promises "liberty and justice for all." This idealism is a promise of equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of color, national origin, race, religion and sex, which up to this point in history has been unrealized for people of color. While first addressed to the needs of African-Americans, later added on, were the needs of American Indians, Asian-Americans and Latinos. For these and other and quot;unalienable rights, and quot; the founders and followers of the civil rights movement marched and died, and finally obtained the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more than three decades, controversy about affirmative action has intrigued American culture. It still incites intense feelings, frustrates public communication, and brings about legal recourse. Some commentators explain the fierceness of the debate by noting the conflicting interests of groups competing for a limited number of coveted jobs, educational opportunities, and votes. Others point to the symbolic importance that affirmative action has assumed for each side in the debate.
