You can claim all you want that at this time merit was the reason someone achieved whatever but it is a fact that positive discrimination has placed people in positions that they would not have gained without this positive discrimination. The downside of this is that previously, in other areas, where these minorities have achieved on merit will now loose merit. I have seen/worked with people who have deservedly achieved what they have but now those that follow and been given these position not through ability but positive discrimination have diluted these achievements because it will be seen as gaining this position due to their gender or race, and not ability. Unfortunately, now, that will also taint those that do have the ability and have achieved whatever position they are in as it will be seen as having been given to them.