Indeed, France refuses to acknowledge the existence of any kind of minority. They're all Frenchmen, equal before the law, which seems admirable on one level, but means that France ignores the problems that Arabs have in France because they are Arabs.
MMmmm, you are right on that count, Hos'. I don't support affirmative action, and, from your post, I would assume (makes an a$$ of you and me, I know, but it's all I can do), that you don't support it either.
That being said, having co-cultural-specific organizations to help minorities assimilate and deal with life in this new country, as well as representation of said minorities in gov't is not affirmative action.
It is justice.
"...but means that France ignores the problems that Arabs have in France because they are Arabs."
No quite true. Arabs in France have excluded themselves. They have created their own ghettoes by forcing white French people out of the Cites.
The few White people living in the Cites in France are being harrassed on a daily basis by Muslim youths.
Young Arabs can go to school but choose not to, with in most cases the blessing of their parents.
Like everyone else in France to get a job you need a minimum of education, if they decide not to be educated it is not the fault of the French system.
People may disagree but that is excactly what ISLAM is about, breed, have ghettoes, blame everyone else for your misfortune and if you do net get what you wish go for the kill.
There are Muslims who have come to France who have "made it." These are just kids feeling empowered by Islamic rhetoric.