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Yes, SM, I think we do largely agree, AA just leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth conceptually.
I think you're being somewhat disingenuous, kutulu. Even though timalkin is oversimplifying the problem, there remains a not insignificant problem that the hip hop subculture is idolized in a lot of the same neighborhoods who would also be prime locations for people to benefit from an affirmative action program. And that image does not promote education or mutual respect or helping your community. Those musicians and athletes are role models and their attitudes and actions are emulated. Certainly it is not the only reason why inner cities have problems getting kids to go to school, to stay in school and to be motivated to succeed in school where they can be competitive in applying for colleges without affirmative action. But it is a factor and it does contribute to an impression that education is not the way to survive and get respect from your peers.
This is a complex problem and it needs a complex solution and denying that the hip hop subculture contributes to the problem simply because suburban white kids like it too or because it's just a symptom of the problem isn't going to get us anywhere.
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