Affirmative action that targets race is inherently flawed. Although minorities in America may make up a greater proportion of the poor, they do not make up the entirety of it.
Affirmative action based on race merely helps already rich minorities get even further ahead, as they have the best access to these programs. It also serves to keep poor white people down. White people may make up a greater percentage of the rich in America, but there are plenty of poor white children who grow up with alcoholic/unemployed/abusive/drug addicted/etc... parents. These are the most likely people to get hurt by affirmative action, as there daddies can't make a phone call to a friend from the country club. Not to mention affirmative action programs reinforce harmful stereotypes.
If you want to have affirmative action it should be based on economic standing. If minorities make up a greater percentage of the poor, then they will benefit more from programs directed at helping the poor.
As far as affirmative action towards women is concerned, it would be much more productive for society to fund programs directed at getting women into the workforce after childbirth, such as guaranteed and affordable daycare, especially for single mothers.
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