Reply #20: Not really...

[jenmito]

It gives people who were born/grew up at a disadvantage the chance to see how they'd do if given the same tools as someone who was NOT disadvantaged. For example, I went to a predominantly Black school where many kids had no fathers, who had to take care of their siblings when they got home because their mother was at work, and the teachers weren't the best, either, since the pay wasn't the best. (I know, because I ended up teaching back there after I graduated college). The kids who got straight As should be able to be given a chance to see if they could rise to the ocassion if given better tools, better teachers, etc. If the kid who got straight As in that poor school was accepted, through affirmative action, to a college where most kids were NOT from a poor school, all that means is they are being given the chance to live up to their full potential. They have already excelled in the conditions given to them. It's not their fault they were born/grew up in poor conditions. Let them have the chance to excel when given better tools and conditions. I see nothing wrong with that.