The negative aspects of  Affirmative Action is influenced heavily by perception. When most people hear the word Affirmative  Action they automatically focus their thoughts on race. Generally this focus is limited to the African American segment of the population. However Affirmative Action extends across all races and addresses all forms Ofelia discrimination.

This law was adopted to combat discrimination by forcing societies institutions to be more inclusive.The negative reactions we observe from the general public reinforces the need for this type of legislation. The mainstream society feel this law forces the hiring of less qualified blacks to fill positions in organizations throughout the country. This line of thought is basically a result of the superiority influenced stereotypes of non white people of America. The mainstream society sees the minority as less qualified than their white counterparts.

Affirmative Action’s mission was to establish diversity and create a situation whereby the workforce reflects the make up of the population.This law has helped minorities get in the entry level door but has not opened doors in leadership.In most organizations the people at the top, the decision makers are not people of color. The very power structure that created racism and discrimination is still dominant in all levels of American life.

The biggest negative with Affirmative Action is the focus on employment and the lack of focus on ownership. In order to equal the playing field minorities need the opportunity to build organizations, make decisions and empower their communities and people. If minorities are not allowed to lead they remain in a subordinate relationship that creates the continued existence of an discriminatory environment. Also it puts minority employees in jobs that do not demand respect from a position of competence, talent and ability.

In reality Affirmative Action benefits more women which includes white females and ethnic minorities than thoseof African descent. This is unfortunate because no minority has experienced the disenfranchisement, oppression, discrimination that African Americans have endured in this country. The wealth and power of this country was built on the blood, sweat, tears and life of the African American. The manipulation of the law designed to benefit the white race is well documented as well as the deliberate domination and exploitation of every aspect of the Africans existence.

This oppression provided advantages for one race and disadvantages for another race which still impacts our quality of life and standard of living today. Afirmative Action has good intentions and has help improvea miniscule level for a diverse group of minorities, however; it has done very little to repair the condition of the group who needs its intervention most.