The initial intent of "Affirmative action" was intended to take positive steps toward increasing the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and culture from which they have been historically excluded. History indicated a tremendous amount of discrimination against women and minorities prior to the Affirmative Action initiative. The steps taken by the Affirmative Action plan aimed to eliminate previous prejudicial selections, as well as to serve as a sort of recompense for previous mistreatments. This seemed to be a positive step in the right direction, initially. However, those steps in the right direction involve preferential selection of the opposing nature, and have alienated qualified individuals from achieving goals that they would otherwise be able to attain. Over time, the selection of "qualified" individuals on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity has generated intense controversy. Many feel that Affirmative Action has actually been detrimental to the issue of racial disparity in our country by way of creating additional and unneeded tension. .
The development, defense, and contestation of preferential affirmative action has proceeded along two paths. One has been legal and administrative as courts, legislatures, and executive departments of government have made and applied rules requiring Affirmative Action. The other has been the path of public debate, where the practice of preferential treatment has spawned a vast literature, both for and against affirmative action. The positive position on Affirmative Action would argue that it is needed in order to facilitate the integration and tolerance of women and minorities in the United States by nurturing diversity educationally and professionally[Aun07]. This ultimately adds to the growth and progress of our economy as a whole. It could be argued that Affirmative Action ensures equal opportunity for social and economic advancement, and benefits everyone through introduction to diverse perspectives and experiences.