[Cloud9]

I think a more valid question is not how the white man is shafted by all these "inferior" black students "stealing" their spots in admissions(which by the way is a very insulting and bullsh** assumption), but how well the students in those schools actually do in their time at those institutions, and after. In my experience at NYU, which definitely practices AA, this is what I noticed. There were many of the white students, quite often the ones who had been pampered, and ever so carefully reared by their indulgent, loving parents, that just slid by, or were drugged out, or just plainly not very smart(not all or most, however enough numbers to create a noticable trend). There were some minority students that were that way too, but overwhelmingly(again, a noticable trend), I found that most were very hard workers, very involved, and very intelligent. And they HAD to be, because there were less of them represented in the school, and if they didn't succeed, it could make a big difference in the opportunities offered to them and very possibly to their children. At graduation, I noticed that a huge portion of the honor students(designated by gold tassels), were in fact minorities. So it seems to me from my experiences at least, that when using AA, colleges are still picking students by their merit, and more importantly, their potential.

Also, to address the idea of parental support, I would think that as more students of color gain access to higher education and opportunities, they in turn become more supportive of the next generation.

We are at a time now of transition. In any society, significant change happens slowly. Unfortunately, although we(caucasians), did not "make the mess", it is still there, and we are still benefitting from privileges that were stolen from our fellow citizens. When you accept stolen property, you are still responsible even as a third party, and that is kind of the position we are in now. Many of us as members of GLOs often talk about overlooking selfish needs for the good of the group. This is a principle we must apply now. It may feel as if we are "paying" for the wrongs of others, but some way I feel that this is necessary to achieve that transition towards true equality - and that goes for people of color, women, immigrants, homosexuals, and all groups that fight conscious and unconscious discrimination. And sometimes the tide turns and a new group will need a boost. I think someone mentioned it already, but I've seen several articles reporting that white males are now significant recipents of AA benefits(due to a diminishing number of white males enrolling in certain colleges).

Sugar&Spice, can I just say, you are so smart, and so (refreshingly) socially conscious, it's wonderful. Props to you!!!