Some Discrimination Is Okay

SEARCH BLOG: DISCRIMINATION

The other day, Pat Buchanan had a post entitled, "PBS is Hiring - Blacks, Whitey Need Not Apply."

The issue was that PBS had hired a film and casting company for a "show exploring the latest in science and technology" and had specified that the person to host the show must be "Latino." That might have made some sense for a show about how Mexicans were adapting to the U.S. culture, but seemed a little arbitrary for a show about science and technology.

What a particular writer to Mr. Buchanan was riled about was that a staff member at the University of Southern California wrote this:

From: Nancy Levien - levien@usc.edu
Date: April 30, 2007
To: FACULTY@usc.edu
Subject: FW: Casting

Dear Faculty,

The person in the email below is looking for a host for a TV show with a specific background and be a Latino. Please pass on to any post doc, PhD student, etc. that you think would be interested.
Thank you.

Nancy Levien
Executive Assistant to the Chair
Department of Computer Science
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Tel: (213) 740-4498
Fax: (213) 740-7285

I posted this comment:

This is not so much a case of discrimination as it is a case of being thought-conflicted.

It is “discriminatory” to have a white actor play a black in “black-face” or a Mexican in a sombrero and fake mustache because you are “perpetuating stereotypes.” This is different from providing specific “minorities” with “opportunities” based on a perceived need for “representation” whether it forces individuals of other groups [read whites] out of consideration.

Discrimination is only discrimination if it against the “powerless” [which could include wealthy individuals of the correct ethnic backgrounds]. Discrimination is not discrimination if it is against the “powerful” [which could include the jobless among the “majority”].

It is conflicted thinking because it focuses on the “personal attributes” of individuals rather than the “economic attributes” in defining those in “need.”

It is conflicted thinking because it focuses on the “personal attributes” of individuals rather that the “personal accomplishments” in defining those who are “worthy.”

The interesting thing is that blacks, Asians, and all others were also excluded... which meant it wasn't about getting "diversity."

It was about playing to the Mexican audience in Los Angeles. This is called "marketing"... unless it is done by whites.

..