Shouldn't the clash over "affirmative action" be understood as a clash between collectivism and individualism?

Yes.

I am not White but I think that Affirmative Action is essentially a racist Socialist tool in disguise to be used by Federal Government

Minorities who are real achievers dislike Affirmative Action. The left, who despises Clarence Thomas, attributes his success to Affirmative Action. Some people on the right say the Obama's owe their success to Affirmative Action. I have to wonder how people feel if their own excellence was attributed to a government program rather than their own hard work and talent in a competitive world. Racism is an individual character flaw. It is not the platform of any political party as it was up until 1964 when Separate but Equal was finally eliminated. Even then it was not the entire party. Remember the Supreme Court upheld Jim Crow as being constitutional, one of the worst systemic mistakes in our history as a nation.

Big government out of control is a danger to all races of citizens. Individuals should be held accountable for who they are and their own actions. Otherwise we will never be rid of the stigma of racism as a nation. Maybe college entrance applications should not include a name or race but be chosen solely on their merits at the point of deciding who is eligible until they are actually chosen.. Those who say that wouldn't be fair are saying minorities and females don't measure up while the truth is, many do on their own merits. Those who fall for the idea that all people of each race/ethnicity/gender think exactly alike are either very ignorant or they have an agenda and should never be in positions of power within our government. That is racism.

Yes it is wrong what they did. And the pressure to remove it, was for those that are still living the elitist life of not being equal with any minority, Not just blacks. This country has not moved and inch towards peaceful resolutions among people. Already less than a week old they've already begun to decline blacks from the University.

No, it is a clash between fairness and privilege . I am white. I got to go to the college of my choice, UCLA .

White people who hate affirmative action, just weren't smart enough to get the job or college they wanted

I think until there is a level playing field for all people, there should be Affirmative Action.

African Americans were slaves in the United States for 300 years, although Affirmative Action does not fix the past, it will help make the future more fair.

No. It shouldn't.

how about a clash e between americans and racists pigs

of course u think so, ur white. U dont know wat it's like to live in america where u dont have equal opportunities but keep saying u arent racist cause minorities know exactly wat filth conservatives are

Only if you are a white Republican...