What is affirmative action, who does it benefit, and is it still in practice today?

Affirmative action is still used today and is very controversial. It benefits minorities because of their race, ethnicity and gender instead of simply by qualifications. It would be better if it was no considered at all. It is like if you are a white boy and apply for a school which has a majority of white males someone with less qualifications would get in before you because of their race. It is also somewhat insulting to minorities because it is like saying oh it is not your fault that you aren't as qualified it's because you are a minority and is basically saying that they are lesser. Yes in some situations people are not given a job because they are minorities and they should be helped by a court case.