If you ask what affirmative action is, numerous Americans in America could not tell you the definition of affirmative action or how it affects us as individuals and our communities in the United States. When trying to understand the issue of affirmative action you must ask yourself the key question: what is affirmative action? Affirmative actions are laws put in place by referring to various government policies that aim to increase the percentages of African Americans, women, and other minorities in jobs and educational institutions. The policy gives large companies a required percentage of employers to hire who belong to minority groups. Now that we have clearly identified what affirmative action is, we must ask ourselves: are affirmative action policies implemented in corporate America? In this article we will compare two articles and discuss in detail two sides that affirmative action experiences affect minorities in the community and educational system. In the article “One Nation, Indivisible,” by Ward Connerly expresses legislators' approval of affirmative action laws and how it affects society. On November 3, 1998, in Washington DC, state legislators passed Initiative 200. Washington residents agreed to end race-based categories and treat everyone equally, without discrimination or favoritism. Connerly claims that affirmative action is a threat to the culture of equality that defines the United States. In the article "Pros and Cons" by William G. Bowen and Derek Bok the facts were based on a research study. They examined the college encounters of approximately 60,000 students of whom 3,500 were African Americans, who were enrolled in 28 selected… half of the document… affirmative action laws, so minority groups will not thrive in the society in which we live. On the other hand, William G. Bowen believes that if affirmative action laws were repealed, many minority groups would not receive as many opportunities in society as Caucasians. Regardless of differing opinions on whether or not affirmative action laws should be repealed, the United States of America will continue to be a very diverse nation of individuals. Works Cited Bowen, W.G., and Bok D. (2003). “Pros and cons.” N.d. Web. April 1, 2014. Connerly, Ward. (2001) “An invisible nation”. Hoover Institution, Stanford University. second page. April 1, 2004 .. Np. Network. April 7 2014. .