People usually think that we’re biased against handicapped, homosexual or untaboo groups of people.
If you think about it, we’re really not.
Case in point, in a recent diversity training, the speaker encourages increasing diversity in the workplace. This means that they want to have more of a mix of various racial groups, people with alternative lifestyles and mothers in the workplace.
Hence, all things being equal, to a company who highlights diversity, given a choice of two candidates with similar experience and background, they would probably hire the one who is considered to add more “diversity” into the group.
So if you really think about it, today is a good time to be homosexual/bisexual, Asian/Hispanic/African-American/etc. who is thinking of adopting a child.
Using another true-yet-bizarre example, a colleague of mine is asked to look for a motivational speaker to talk in front of an audience full of managing directors, CFOs and some of the highest upper management of some of the biggest financial institutions.
I asked her what type of speaker they are looking for.
“Well, we’re looking for someone who has achieved success and overcame obstacles despite all odds,” she said. “For example, battling and overcoming bankruptcy, climbing Mount Everest even though you don’t have an arm, or being successful and making a difference despite being handicapped may suffice.”
“So what you mean is,” I humbly inquired, “That person would have to undergo some serious hardships in life before one can be qualified to speak in front of such audience?”
“Pretty much,” she said. “Otherwise, how do you drive the point hard that you can overcome all odds?”
“Hence, if I still have all my body parts intact, I can’t really be a speaker?” I continued to ask. “So I’d have to lose all my money, think of undergoing suicide and reach the most depressed state ever experienced by man before I can even be considered as a speaker”
“Sure,” she replied.
“Wow, you guys have a bias against normal people!” I said. “Maybe I should run to the middle of the street and be hit by a car to even be half-way qualified. Wo ying gai shou dao hen can de shi qing cai ke yi o (I would have to undergo a terrible experience before I can even speak in front of this audience).”
She nodded.
Who knew being normal made one so ordinary? Given this, what would then equate to a life worth living?
Maybe I should indeed jump off a building instead.
From the third floor of course, so I technically wouldn’t die but be handicapped enough to be a motivational speaker.
Who knew that people with handicapped had it so good? I know it’s hard and you’re probably thinking of throwing eggs and tomatoes to my face, but give me a break for such random thoughts.
People are cheering for you to succeed you guys so jia you! 🙂
