oquestion the credentials of the qualified minorities. We hear a lot about so-called stigma ofaffirmative action for minorities and women. We are told that affirmative action harms thepsyches of African Americans, Latinos, and women. For some reason, veterans are notstigmatized by the GI Bill and Europeans are not stigmatized by the Marshall plan. Why isit that only when the beneficiaries of affirmative action are women and people of color isthere a stigma? Affirmative action gives minorities the opportunities to challengestereotypes and stigmas. To be fair and equitable society, it is important that those who are disadvantagesknow there is equal opportunity for them to become the best they can be. This is exactlywhat affirmative action is all about. Giving to the disadvantages a little help to competeequally, recognize their potential, and give back to the community. Affirmative actionworking as it should, gives women and minorities greater equality and opportunity in asociety that has so many inequalities. Our society must be persistent in our continuation toensure equal opportunity for all. Learning about other groups and learning to work with awide range of individuals is absolutely necessary for the survival of our society. Since wedo not live in a color-blind society, affirmative action may reduce racial tension by forcingpeople to interact and work together. It is there to make things the way they should be:fair. Until someone comes up with a better system, or prejudices are eliminated, we willalways need affirmative action....
