This approach would benefit people of color who are disadvantaged economically. But counterposing it to affirmative action is an attempt to sweep the pivotal issue of race under the rug. People of color have been and continue to be discriminated against based entirely on race. We need programs based on economic need in addition to, but not instead of, affirmative action. First, the economy continues to decline.
People are afraid of losing what they have.
There is a scarcity of jobs and limited resources today. It was easier for society to accept the changes brought about by the civil rights and women's movements when the economy was growing and the middle class was still expanding. This debate is taking place in the larger context of the fight for the identity of the nation. It's no surprise that California is the first big site of the discussion. Many people fear losing control over the economic, political and cultural direction of the state, particularly to people from unfamiliar cultures.