Explain the main reasons why affirmative action has failed to end racial inequality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One reason for the failure of affirmative action is that the purpose of affirmative action is to produce equal opportunity, not equality of outcomes. Kennedy established affirmative action with the principle of providing equal opportunities to African Americans, which can be seen to work as they are granted less college admissions and other similar assistance. It was not intended to produce racial equality, so the fact that the unemployment rate for blacks was twice that of whites is not considered a failure of affirmative action, so the program will not end inequality since it is not set up to do it. Another reason affirmative action has failed to stop racial inequality is that the Supreme Court has limited it. In the 2016 cases Bakke and Fisher v Texas, the Supreme Court limited affirmative action. The rulings have meant that there can no longer be quotas in affirmative action programs, as they create discrimination and inequality for whites. Therefore, the removal of quotas along with other limitations on affirmative action has meant that universities and employers cannot design a system of equality of outcomes for African Americans that limits the effects of the program. Furthermore, affirmative action may have failed to end racial inequality. due to the fact that it has not been in place long enough. Kennedy introduced the program in the 1960s, so it has only existed for 50 years, while African-American repression has been present in the United States for hundreds of years. It is also a very complex issue as the issue has both a social and political nature. Therefore it can be argued that to evaluate the impact of the program it is necessary to give it more time to become effective. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay An additional reason why affirmative action has failed to create equality is that politicians lack the political will to support affirmative action. In the 2016 presidential campaign, no candidate discussed affirmative action, this shows that politicians wish to reform or support affirmative action, which is supported by the fact that Obama did not discuss affirmative action under his presidency. Although AA's failure to discuss it may be due to the controversial nature of the issue and not really a lack of political will. Since no president has discussed the issue of the planned reform of the system, no progress can be made and therefore inequality will not be eliminated.