Affirmative Action: The Debate Rages on

An issue that arises with affirmative action is reverse discrimination. A poll that was taken showed Americans extremely divided over whether affirmative action actually hurts white males. 51 percent of those interviewed said white men had been unfavorably affected by preference programs, while 46 percent disagreed. 19 percent of Blacks interviewed also agreed that affirmative action also hurt white males. Many minorities articulated apprehension that white obsession with affirmative action blinds whites to qualifications of minorities and women, who become lumped together as "preference hires" instead of realizing that they had worked hard for their jobs or promotions and status. (Ten Myths)…