Embrace Diversity? More PC stuff

[GirlySports]

This is getting to the point of ridiculousness.


UC diversifies ethnicity choices: ‘Guamanian/Chamorro’ now on list

Twenty-three Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities will now by represented on the application — almost three times as many as this year

That is insane. They don’t ask this when we apply for jobs. Why is this even being asked on a University application.


“The data UC collects are a reflection of how well we are serving the diverse people of California”

I think the job of the university is how well they serve a good education for future growth, not diversity. The state is already diverse and naturally kids from different backgrounds will enter university (or any other profession) without the need to more promotion.

“For Pacific Islanders, it was an issue of not even recognizing our identities. We’re not Asian,” she said. “Whenever I’m on Guam, nobody calls me ‘Asian’ or ‘Pacific Islander.’ I’m Chamorro.”

Well you are not ON GUAM and I’m sure if a Hungarian guy is in Hungary he doesn’t get called “White” or “Eastern European” but you don’t see Hungarian or even Magyar on any application form.
Do you know why Americans and Canadians tend to discriminate against Asians? Because we segregate ourselves. To me this is a ridiculous campaign that makes us even more alienated.


Yes we need to respect our culture, yes we need to try and keep our language. But at the same time we have to blend into North American society. I am Canadian first, that’s the box I check off on any application that requires it.

[fredr123]

Yeah! If you don't like it here, go back to where you came from! And take your long skirts with you!

[Cliche]

Originally Posted by fredr123

Yeah! If you don't like it here, go back to where you came from! And take your long skirts with you!

Awww Heck, that's a whole lot better than sending us to camps in Saskatchewan..

[Phaneuf3]

I'm half white-one quarter Chamorro-one quarter native american! This application is still discriminatory because it does not recognize my background!

i demand a separate 12 page addendum to all application forms so it is possible to adequately describe racial backgrounds so nobody feels discriminated against.

[MarchHare]

I once applied for a job where I was asked by the recruiter (over the phone) to state my ethnicity, because they were an "equal-opportunity employer". I replied, "If you truly were equal-opportunity, you wouldn't ask that question at all."

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

I once applied for a job where I was asked by the recruiter (over the phone) to state my ethnicity, because they were an "equal-opportunity employer". I replied, "If you truly were equal-opportunity, you wouldn't ask that question at all."

Yes that's one place you definitely don't want to work. Way too much politics in the workplace.

[fredr123]

Here's another link, this one from UCLA's own campus paper: http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/...st-be-updated/

Seems like the idea is to get a better understanding of the problems faced by students at UCLA and other UC campuses. They're breaking down the "Other Asian" category to help find differences that may exist between students that come from some place more specific than Asia.

It seems to be a self-identifying exercise. Put down whatever you want (or nothing at all).

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

I once applied for a job where I was asked by the recruiter (over the phone) to state my ethnicity, because they were an "equal-opportunity employer". I replied, "If you truly were equal-opportunity, you wouldn't ask that question at all."

I really hate that mentality, and I agree with you completely.

I remember one time I had two job applications, and both asked for ethnicity. Since I am Italian by ancestry... I said "Latino" in one application and "Caucasian" on the other (the one I thought I was more qualified for). I never heard back from the Caucasian one. I got a job offer from the one I said "Latino" on. It wasn't that good of an offer so I turned it down. (Nice equal opportunity).

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by fredr123

Here's another link, this one from UCLA's own campus paper: http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/...st-be-updated/

Seems like the idea is to get a better understanding of the problems faced by students at UCLA and other UC campuses. They're breaking down the "Other Asian" category to help find differences that may exist between students that come from some place more specific than Asia.

It seems to be a self-identifying exercise. Put down whatever you want (or nothing at all).

I get really uncomfortable when I see things like The Asian Pacific Coalition, and 4000 postcards. This wasn't just a university plan. This was petitioned and protested for.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Agreed it's pointless to ask at all.
Not sure what's PC about it though. I would think not making any reference to ethnicity would be the PC approach.

[Kerplunk]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

I really hate that mentality, and I agree with you completely.

I remember one time I had two job applications, and both asked for ethnicity. Since I am Italian by ancestry... I said "Latino" in one application and "Caucasian" on the other (the one I thought I was more qualified for). I never heard back from the Caucasian one. I got a job offer from the one I said "Latino" on. It wasn't that good of an offer so I turned it down. (Nice equal opportunity).

Unfortunately, equal opportunity is often slang for affirmative action when it comes to hiring practices. I have never really liked this myself. Its the best qualified person that should get the job, not the most qualified out of a certian ethnic group. But, some company policies require quotas to be filled, regardless of cost.

[fredr123]

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/mem...26AD53PR01.htm

Part of the reason for the change in UC policy was dictated by California Assembly Bill 295. They're not collecting additional info but merely making changes to the state's categorization of data to bring the framework in line with federal standards.

[Temporary_User]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Agreed it's pointless to ask at all.
Not sure what's PC about it though. I would think not making any reference to ethnicity would be the PC approach.

That wouldn't be the politically correct approach, that would be the correct approach. You see, there is a difference.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

Unfortunately, equal opportunity is often slang for affirmative action when it comes to hiring practices. I have never really liked this myself. Its the best qualified person that should get the job, not the most qualified out of a certian ethnic group. But, some company policies require quotas to be filled, regardless of cost.

What companies should do is assign all applicants a number and remove anything that could show gender or culture... even names.

They should see this only:
Application #04712
-BA Economics, USask
-5 years, Vandelay Industries
-Experience in Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, Finance, Development

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by fredr123

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/mem...26AD53PR01.htm

Part of the reason for the change in UC policy was dictated by California Assembly Bill 295. They're not collecting additional info but merely making changes to the state's categorization of data to bring the framework in line with federal standards.

That is fine but why just Asians? What about Brazillian or Hungarian or Finnish or Zimbabwian or Greek?

Because these groups petitioned for it at a high government level which makes me sad.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

What companies should do is assign all applicants a number and remove anything that could show gender or culture... even names.

They should see this only:
Application #04712
-BA Economics, USask
-5 years, Vandelay Industries
-Experience in Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, Finance, Development

Funny story about names. I know a guy who is Korean and was given away to an orphanage at birth. He was adopted by a Canadian family and given the name "Thomas Harris". He surprised alot of employers

[driveway]

In the words of Chris Rock: "I don't think I should get a job over a more qualified white guy. But if it's a tie - f%#& 'em."

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

That is fine but why just Asians? What about Brazillian or Hungarian or Finnish or Zimbabwian or Greek?

Because these groups petitioned for it at a high government level which makes me sad.

Data collected in California used an older categorization of Asians. The system used by the feds on the census brokedown the Asian group even further. Maybe Brazilian is already broken down further? Not sure.

Asians made up something like 32% (or 23%, sometimes I'm dyslexic) of the UC student body. With a group that large, it might make sense to refine your categories and get some more useful information from your data.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

Unfortunately, equal opportunity is often slang for affirmative action when it comes to hiring practices. I have never really liked this myself. Its the best qualified person that should get the job, not the most qualified out of a certian ethnic group. But, some company policies require quotas to be filled, regardless of cost.

I agree with you, but at the same time the opposite practise still exists in many companies. Minorities (especially females) still make less then their counterparts when all other factors are held equal, so maybe some sort of affirmative action is unfortunatley necessary.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by fredr123

Data collected in California used an older categorization of Asians. The system used by the feds on the census brokedown the Asian group even further. Maybe Brazilian is already broken down further? Not sure.

Asians made up something like 32% (or 23%, sometimes I'm dyslexic) of the UC student body. With a group that large, it might make sense to refine your categories and get some more useful information from your data.

I don't like being categorized

And what useful information can be found?

For example;

Me, an Asian girl, goes to U of C

I attend classes and try to get my diploma like anyone else. I party like anyone else. I procrastinate. I try not to plagerize! I listen to Overtime while trying to study and curse the flames at the same time. What useful information could the university possibly have that would help me without hurting you!