Coloured Lines of the 21st entury - Research Paper Example

These are American problems that have strong historical roots. For many Americans who perceive discrimination as having disappeared in the country, affirmative action today gives minorities an unfair advantage. From the perspective of other Americans, that have a daily experience of discrimination, there is a need for affirmative action to protect any opportunities that are likely to disappear if such measures are not taken. For Americans from every background, opportunity allocation within a society that is increasingly dependent on education and knowledge, the affirmative action is great concern and anxiety.

There is an increased tendency of Americans to forget that as late as the 1960s, a significant population of the minority groups were educated in fully segregated schools. These were funded at lower rates compared to schools serving whites. They were also excluded from studying in mot institutions of higher learning. The ending of legal segregation through efforts towards equalizing spending on education boosted student achievement. However, educational achievement does not translate into the educational experience.

Minority students continue being significantly separate and unequal. A significant portion of minority students continues attending schools with a predominant population of minorities found in central cities with funding that is below that of their neighbouring suburban districts. Discrimination is still rife in the American education system with deleterious consequences to the children. This discrimination affects their sense of self and social identity. The discrimination is especially harmful in the early years of life.

During these years, children are developing their sense of self. Evidence reveals that the way children are handled in their early schooling years impacts their future behaviour and academic performance. Children receiving messages regarding themselves in school are less likely to be academically successful.