The historical background of federal preferential treatment to particular groups, such as the case of the current affirmative action programs, is reviewed. Some of the arguments against affirmative action are criticized and the necessity for such programs is stressed. (MC)

In politics, economics, education, and religion, Blacks still largely depend upon White institutions. White resistance to affirmative action means that the subordinate position of Blacks in American society is likely to continue. The only feasible alternative is Black mobilization and organization on a scale parallel to that of the 1960s.…

Suggests that the notion of "reverse discrimination" is a cultural belief representing a racial ideological process. Describes how the notion (1) emerged from past racial belief patterns; (2) differentially influences policy on the allocation of privileged economic roles among social groups; and (3) reintegrates cultural beliefs into…

The role of affirmative action programs, the problem of quotas, the relevance of admission criteria to minority group applicants, and public opinion concerning affirmative action are discussed in relation to the Bakke case. (Author/MC)