Distribute copies of the handout on affirmative action. This updates and provides additional detail to the information provided in the chapter. Compare and contrast this information with the information found in Chapter 10. Is there anything here that is remarkably different? Other surprises, reflections?

Before or after the discussion, invite class members to form a series of continuums. In each continuum, ask class members to arrange themselves between two points:

• believe affirmative action is an effective tool on one end and believe affirmative action is a harmful tool on the other;

• believe affirmative action type programs belong in the church on one end and believe affirmative action type programs have no place in the church (for pastoral hiring, contract vending, etc.)

• believe affirmative action could be improved on one end and believe affirmative action is inherently flawed on the other.

Did he give preference for any one group over another? Examine closely his interactions with women, the poor, the "unclean." Are there any lessons that can be applied to our current study?

1. Miller Shearer states unequivocally that affirmative action programs work. How did this assertion strike you upon first reading it? Did anything change by the time you had finished reading the chapter?

2. Talk about what is deemed "charity" by our society. What other code words are used to describe essentially the same practice (subsidies, tax cuts, benefits, etc.)? Does this tell us anything about who has the power to describe such practices? What is the impact of debates focusing on one type of "charity" and not others? Do racial dynamics come into play?

3. The discussion of quotas (146-147) again raises the question of intentions vs. results. Some companies, businesses, even congregations have said, "We want to be more diverse. It's just not happening. Don't blame us." Affirmative action is one way of moving to evaluate efforts based on outcomes, not just intentions. Are there similar results based initiatives in other areas? Do they experience similar or different types of resistance than affirmative action?

4. List the ways the author suggests affirmative action benefits everyone (148-149). Can you add additional items to this list? What is new to you? What don't you agree with? Which ones challenge prevalent myths about affirmative action?

5. At the end of the chapter, Miller Shearer acknowledges that there will be discomfort and pain for White males if affirmative action is thoroughly initiated. Since 1994 when this book was published, there have been even more vociferous attacks on affirmative action programs. What does the political and economic horizon look like at this point? Do you see affirmative action being put in place in your area? Have such efforts waned or waxed? What other tools may be available for changing institutions to truly reflect the diversity of this country?

Read Chapter 11: So What Can We Do About Racism?