AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: ÒLIGHTNING RODÓ FOR BROADER STRUGGLE

	Recent court rulings limiting affirmative action are early
signs of a broader struggle to redefine the status of racial and
ethnic groups in America, according to political scientist and
historian Matthew Holden at the University of Virginia.

	Legal attacks on affirmative action were ÒinevitableÓ as the
job market got tougher, and they may continue for years until
guidelines are hammered out by Supreme Court rulings, says Holden,
professor of government and foreign affairs and author of the books
ÒThe White ManÕs BurdenÓ and ÒMechanisms of Power.Ó

	Although their real impact on employment has been vastly
exaggerated, he says, racial 
preferences in hiring are a logical Òlightning rodÓ for broader
tensions for three reasons:

	¥ Downsizing and the loss of millions of blue collar jobs
have created Òenormous stressÓ and made people more willing to
openly blame racial preferences for their troubles.

	¥ Gender relationships have changed as women expanded and
improved their role in the work force -- and many men who face
diminished expectations resent anything that smacks of 
preference.

	¥ Symbols have changed: African Americans are no longer
perceived as automatically in a subordinate role, but as competitors
in the workplace who may threaten othersÕ success.

	ÒFor those reasons, affirmative action has become a hot
issue, but it is only a means of talking about conflict between
groups without discussing the real issues. Political leaders canÕt
say 
that relationships are a problem and deal directly with that,Ó
Holden explains.

	Tension among racial and ethnic groups will be a major issue
in the next national elections, Holden believes, although the debate
will continue to be couched in terms of specific issues.

	This poses a problem for President Clinton, who must appeal
to a broad political base including voters who backed Republican
candidates in 1994, while his GOP opponents can count on a loyal
core of voters who oppose government programs in general.

	Holden says the presidentÕs political dilemma is reflected
in the fact that Ònot so much has been heard from this bully pulpitÓ
about civil rights and equality issues Clinton spoke often about
during his election campaign and early days in office.

	Holden is available at (804) 924-3422 or 296-3649.

June 29, 1995