Affirmative Action in the Past

In the past, African Americans were treated differently than other white people. They were looked down upon and denied equal rights and opportunities. In order to remedy this historic problem and "level the playing field," affirmative action was created. What it is is a set of quotas and programs, designed to raise African Americans in today's society where it is often quite difficult for them to do so for themselves. Some people believe that affirmative action has completed this goal and is no longer needed; that it should be phased out. Others believe that its goal is still quite a ways off and more such programs are needed before African Americans can enjoy the same rights as other people.