Affirmative Action

Although some may make the point that affirmative action encourages the continuation of prejudice, the ugly truth is that they would still exist without it.  Humankind has not reached a point of total acceptance of all beings and getting rid of affirmative action is not the solution to that.  However, in the combat against prejudice affirmative action is merely a band-aid.  It is truly shameful to think that in the year 2013 superficial features still play a role in how people are judged in general aspects of life, as well as career and educational processes that have nothing to do with one’s ability to do their job.  Without affirmative action employers with an agenda against a certain group would easily discriminate. 

In the case of affirmative action, the person applying for the job or for admission to a school must meet AT LEAST the minimum requirements.  So it is not the case that many critics of affirmative action argue that employers are hiring incompetent people just so they can fill a legally required percentage. 
  It is also important that veterans be included in affirmative action.  Whether they saw combat or sat in an office, veterans made a sacrifice in honor of our country.  To discriminate against this group because of disagreements with military, or fear of post-war problems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder would be dishonorable.  It is important that after serving their time veterans receive no discrimination and the same opportunities as non-veterans.  Additionally, blatant and accepted discrimination of military members could possibly discourage potential members from joining, thus weakening the United States military as well as weakening the honor and appreciation that it deserves.  Until it can be proven that prejudice no longer exist affirmative action is a 100% necessary system of containment.