<p>oatmeal, Ill give you my two cents since I think that my perspective could be helpful. </p>
<p>I am a Hispanic woman who has become philosophical about peoples reaction to both gender and race. I have felt dismissed and insulted a few times, and I have felt equally disappointed to have been the beneficiary of affirmative action despite some very obvious low expectations. As I have gone through life, I have encountered those who without really knowing me havent liked me much because I wasnt like them, and I have encountered those who have gone out of their way to give me a leg up just because I was a Hispanic female. Neither was fun, but I have learned to feel neither too outraged when disadvantaged nor too guilty when benefited. Also, because there is always the possibility that what I might perceive as prejudice or bigotry is nothing of the sort, I have never allowed myself to feel victimized. </p>
<p>The reality is that in this age of political correctness, you and I will probably end up more advantaged than disadvantaged. Keep your head up and keep on working hard. Despite the present disappointment, time is on your side.</p>
<p>Good luck this summer.</p>