Affirmative action in the 1990s
Why did affirmative action become so controversial in the 1990s? How did affirmative action in the workplace differ from affirmative action in education?
Sample Answer
Affirmative action became so controversial in the 1990s for a number of reasons.
- Changing demographics: The United States became more diverse in the 1990s, with a growing population of people of color and immigrants. This led to increased competition for jobs and educational opportunities.
- Economic recession: The United States experienced a recession in the early 1990s, which led to job losses and increased economic hardship. This made people more fearful of losing their jobs to people of color and immigrants.
- Political backlash: Some politicians began to use affirmative action as a wedge issue to divide voters. They argued that affirmative action was unfair to white people and that it led to reverse discrimination.