Response:
Affirmative action seeks to address the effects of social discrimination against minorities (such as African Americans, Hispanics, and LGBT individuals) by granting them advantages compared to the majority population. A notable example of this is the implementation of racial quotas at certain institutions like universities and federal offices.
In my view, while this approach functions as a quick fix for discrimination where it is implemented, I do not think it is a sustainable long-term solution. I believe that the roots of discrimination lie in inadequate education and lack of social awareness, which can only be resolved through improved understanding of equality—one of our nation's core principles.
To sum up, even though these measures may initially contribute to decreasing discrimination, there must be broader structural changes to effectively tackle this issue.
The answer is b) to subtly threaten the Japanese with force.
Perry aimed to demonstrate the readiness of the United States to resort to violence in order to persuade the Japanese leaders to accept his demands, including the opening of ports and safeguarding Americans in Japan.
