All sales occur because they benefit both parties. No one is harmed. What you are observing is an extremely sophisticated and intricate form of order that efficiently satisfies individual goals without violence. The true choice in affirmative action is not between chaos and order, but between freedom and control. Republicans have taken over the moral high ground and are staging a full frontal attack.
Affirmative action looms as an election flash point in California.
Court cases challenging preferential policies are pending in several states. And the Supreme Court is now inclined to frown on federal affirmative action, with Justices Rehnquist, O'Connor, Thomas, Kennedy, and Scalia likely to vote against it. They can always hope.