If you have a historical system of imbalance (e.g.: caste system), and today we decide we're going to get rid of it, do you think it's just going to fix itself

If you have a historical system of imbalance (e.g.: caste system), and today we decide we're going to get rid of it, do you think it's just going to fix itself and everybody is suddenly equal? Even though all the people in power are from the upper caste, and the lower castes are uneducated, and poor? It's not "blantantly idiotic"! I often think the way affirmative action is implemented is flawed, but at least it takes into account the momentum of the problem and tries to do something about it. It takes a long-term view of how equality might be achieved by propelling those up who wouldn't make it otherwise, to disrupt the infinite loop. In the short term those who are used to privilege find it a little harder (boo-hoo, you've tasted a little a tiny slice of what the other side has had... for centuries). It's for the long-term achievement of what you ostensibly support.