Not every woman can say she's traveled in space. But then again, neither can the average man. So it would be a great accomplishment for a woman or a man.

Women aren't a minority, and in this country, white women are definitely not a minority. She also missed being the first woman in space by about 20 years. She also quite deserved to go on the mission. They don't just allow people to go to space just to appeal to certain demographics.

Dr. Ride was apparently quite qualified for that particular mission. I wouldn't assume that she was a token minority simply because she was a minority.