Does diversity in the workplace ensure workplace equality?

No

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by T. M. Beeker

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Diversity is a function of hiring the right candidate for a job from a broad variety of sources. However, engineer think like engineers. Accountants think like accountants. Sure there can be differences but it often follows a norm of thought and style based on common interest and educational experiences. One of the successes behind military service is the ability of a very diverse group to perform and 'think' in very common patterns thanks to training.

Equality is a myth perpetuated by those who do not or will not understand biology, social / economic factors, and the varied nature of human experience and personality. While we can come together in a work environment to achieve a goal there will always be leaders, followers, worker bees, slackers, and that guy who is brilliant but seems to forget to shower regularly. Diversity in the workplace will broaden the experience and creative foundation of a workplace enterprise but it will not make people equal since such a concept is an illusion created by pundits and politically correct types who still believe we are all the same. Dr. King realized we were not equal he pointed out inequities and also warned against measuring others by color instead of content of character. He did not seek to elevate or decrease any group, no he simply wanted to give everyone a common ground from which to start and live.

Affirmative Action has been an attempt to force workplace diversity which actually further divides a workforce causing people to view others as less than equal. When a qualified minority candidate gets a job others will mutter "Affirmative Action strikes again." If the candidate fails it was because Affirmative Action put a less qualified person in place to fill a racial quota. If they succeed its not on their merits it is thanks to the 'leg up' that Affirmative Action gave them. Therefore people are not viewed as equals but as part of a flawed system that accepts less qualified candidates to meet a policy created notion of 'diversity.'

Diversit y is what makes the United States a technological and economic power house. Every been around a group of German engineers figuring out how to build a bridge. Rest assured their common education and cultural experience will build a bridge to last 1000 years. However, there is a 'proper' means by which Germans approach and solve problems. Enter some pesky, impatient, and anything but 'proper' American engineers who in 12 hours build a bridge that may not last 1000 years but is sure got the tanks and APCs across the pesky river. That is America at its best and worst. River was crossed where the tall skinny redneck from Alabama was in a shouting match with the easy going kid from Cleveland while the smart aleck from Texas ( I hate that guy) was quietly moving the bridge components forward so when the various 'leaders' arrived at a conclusion on how to cross said river the materials would be on hand. Was their equality? Yes, we were all equal in being on the wrong side of the river and had a burning need to get to warm barracks, hot chow, and even hotter showers. Yes, we all belonged to a group committed to a clear goal. No, we had leaders, followers, hard workers, lazy slobs, and a few whiners. Did we all get credit for building a bridge in record time? Nope, some were handed medals, others a nice letter in their file, and a few told they were lucky we let their lazy butts cross our 'Mother of a beautiful bridge' (Thanks Oddball from Kelly's Heroes).

Diversity will ensure a workplace that has all the benefits and ills of our American society. Equality should be a concept that prevents an external and uncontrollable factor from stopping an qualified person from getting and doing a job. The idea being building bridges. Some that should take time and be there for 1000 years. Others that get done quickly and last long enough for the last team member to get across. That is the essence of diversity in a world that often defies equality. "You know Johnson, this thing looks like it will kill everyone of you Americans. Well Fritz, it ain't pretty but it works...so far. I will try to save you and yours some chow and hot water."

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