In the controversial areas of affirmative action, the biggest issue being fought over is whether minorities should be given preferential treatment in the workplace and in schools . One side declares that those who belong to the minority group need and deserve the government's help in order to be on an equal footing with the majority group. Opponents of affirmative action point out that isolating groups based on race or ethnicity is purely racism and can lead to reverse discrimination. I am against affirmative action for the reasons mentioned above and would not consider such racism necessary to create a healthy society, as supporters insist. It is my belief that affirmative action today is obsolete and is inherently harmful to society. Affirmative action advocate Stephen Steinberg, in his essay The Affirmative Action Debate, argued that equality in society is not possible without government intervention and aid. He states that "the problem is falsely stated when it is suggested that we must choose between merit or preference, or between the rights of individuals and the rights of groups, or between a color-blind or color-conscious society" (363). Yet as he said this, he was advocating for the very issues he is adamant against, favoring affirmative action. Earlier in his essay he describes the history of affirmative action in the workplace, from equal rights for all, to the selection of certain minority groups for employment, and the preferential treatment of minorities (360). Of these three, the only one I can fully and strongly support is the first. When I look at all aspects of the issue I wonder if we have failed to focus on the right issue. The purpose of affirmative action claims to be...at the heart of the document...Society." Ed. Bryan J. Grapes. San Diego: Greenhaven. 2000. 38-46.Gelles, Richard J., and Ann Levine Sociology: An Introduction. Francisco: McGraw-Hill College, 1999. Kristol, Irving. Ed. Bonnie Szumski. San Diego: Greenhaven. 1996. 144-48. Silverstein, Shel. Where the sidewalk ends. San Francisco: Harper, 1974. Steele, Shelby. "Social Evils." The New York Times March 13, 1994. Rpt. in Interracial America: Opposing Points of View Ed. Bonnie Szumski: Greenhaven. 175. Steinberg, Stephen “The Affirmative Action Debate.” Essays from contemporary culture. 4th ed. 2001. 359-63.