<p>“Many people supporting affirmative action now openly proclaim that it is OK to give preference to a member of a particular racial group even if he is not from a disadvantaged background, just so the college can achieve “diversity”.”</p>
<p>I might be one of those, assuming the preference means being okay with a 2050 SAT vs a 2100 SAT, else being equal. I don’t know about “many”. If CC’s “cupcake” and RACE FAQ threads are a fair 'sample (probably not), people like myself are very “underepresented”. Nice for those who feel differently, and power to you! Bring it!</p>
<p>"The colleges say they are engaging in “holistic” admissions, but to me, it seems like they have a preset target figure already in mind regarding what percentage of each minority they want in their class, and then they work backwards to achieve that target number, with the end result being, for example, that an african american who is the daughter of a teacher and a police officer is given preference over an asian kid who comes from a poor family. "</p>
<p>I’m not sure which colleges “the colleges” represent, but in my experience, if there is a quota for blacks, most (of the 2000 or more four year) colleges must set it at one or two percent. Oh… maybe you mean top 50 colleges.</p>
<p>“I, for one, want the most competent surgeon operating on my child, no matter what their color.”</p>
<p>And I would not be surprised if your definition of “most competent”, and mine are different. I have no interest in changing your definition, nor in you having to “pay” for mine.</p>