Does diversity in the workplace ensure workplace equality?

No

6 of 10

by Lindy Johnson

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It seems like all of the top employment chains are concerned with hiring diversified people (some even at the expense of hiring a more qualified person). How did this happen?!

Many men and women in the United State have fought for the freedoms of every individual in this country. Unfortunately, giving miniorities rights have not kept some from discriminating against others. This forced the government to place stricter laws against employers who did not treat everyone equally.

However, our country has went from giving these minorities the same rights as the majority to giving them "special" rights. Did you know the only type of person who cannot cry "discrimination" is the middle-aged, healthy, non-religious, white male? Think about it....everyone else is protected under the law: women, children, african americans, hispanics, people claiming any type of religion, the disabled (or those just claiming to be), the elderly....pretty much everyone else! Why do we have all of these exceptions?! Whatever happened to trying to be equal?! Instead, everyone wants special treatment. Did you know that when I was in high school, I was offered a scholarship for being left-handed? I mean is that REALLY a disability? I can get free money for that?! Just for being different?!

Our generation has become so lazy and satisfied with getting everything for nothing. We do not understand what a honest, hard day's work is like. We don't even care where the money or benefits come from, as long as it ends up in our laps.

These large cooperations have felt the need to be "politically correct," and to keep themselves out of a lawsuit. Who can blame them? I mean if a person is going to sue someone, they're going to go after the big companies with all of the money.

I've worked for a large cooperation where I saw this issue every single minute of the day. The company offered the district and store mangers an extra bonus incentive in their paychecks every year if they met their quota criteria. They would end up putting women, blacks, gays, elderly people in management simply to meet their quotas. This is perfectly fine if they're basing their decision on the most qualified person and not simply to increase their wallet size.

I once knew a great woman whom I worked with. The company promoted her simply to meet their quota figures ( I know this because she was going up against a well qualified candidate who happened to be a white male). Although she didn't have any experience, she was flattered to be chosen for the position and strived to do a great job. The only problem is, she was promoted before she was ready for the postion. She became so stressed out that she finally had to quit. What's worse, she's thinks she wasn't smart enough for the position. In reality, she simply wasn't ready for it. It's sad that employers will lose a good employee over an issue such as this.

I've also known a female manager to get a management position in this same company. However, everyone assumed she only got the postion because she was a woman. She never could get any respect out of her employees for this reason. That's not fair to this associate either.

If employers would simply focus on documenting better when they select applicants for positions, they wouldn't have to fear a lawsuit.

They also need to document well when choosing not to hire an applicant (even for entry-level postions).

I'm reminded of a older woman who received an interview with the company. She was bound by a wheelchair. She had applied for a position that would require her to run machinery (such as a forklift). On her application, she stated she could do these actions. When she came for the interview, it was obvious she couldn't. Needless to say, she didn't get the position. She later sued the company for discrimination and they settled out of court. Come to find out, she had been doing this to businesses for some time. She never wanted to receive a job, she just wanted to get some money out of a lawsuit.

I do think diversity can be a wonderful thing! Our cultures, families, religion, interests, and personalities can all bring something fresh, new, positive and productive to a working environment. However, we must learn that if our differences are not benefiting the entire people of the company, something may be wrong. Being different is what makes America beautiful! However, using your differences to get a hand-out or to be lazy is simply wrong. It is so important that employers and individuals stand up against the discrimination of those who have no rights! Let's fight for Equality and not Special Rights!

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