Affirmative Action in the United States is under attack. In this submission, ex

Affirmative Action in the United States is under attack. In this submission, explain:
What affirmative action is and, how it has evolved since 1964
What impact has it had on shaping modern American society?
What are your views on the attacks on Affirmative Action?
Should it abolished in all areas of life?
Is affirmative action “reverse discrimination”?  
Is it possible to design a policy that addresses both our concern for equality and the principle of merit as the basis for advancement?
citations, statistics, and/or anecdotal information.