Thursday, April 19, 2007

MERIT OR FAVOURITISM?

One of the reasons why ethnic professionals are scared of promotion is for fear of being labelled as undeserving. One of the reasons why white dominated organisations do not promote ethnics is that they feel that the candidates do not have the merit to deserve it. It seems merit is something objective and everything else is subjective. I disagree strongly. Promotion is as often based on accents, schooling, favouritism qualities - as it is on merit! In fact, some genuinely believe these are meritorious qualities!

Also, merit can only be gained when opportunities are given. If challenging jobs are withheld, how is a person going to get the necessary experience to climb and prove himself or herself?

Also, where we have had discrimination for decades, we may need some affirmative action for the situation to change and for natural processes to take over. There is nothing wrong with this, and the white majority need to be explained why this is necessary to overcome years of prejudice and lack of opportunity.