So here's an interesting conundrum. I am considering applying for a voluntary activity. Part of the recruitment process is a competency interview which asks for examples of various competencies such as teamwork, reacting under pressure and communication skills. The application process also demands I show two examples of respect for diversity. Reading between the lines it means, "prove you're not racist!".
Firstly; what happened to the presumption of innocence. Last I heard, it still was in force. Surely it should be assumed that I'm not racist until proved otherwise.
Secondly; what. The. Fuck!
Seriously!?
How is one supposed to prove this in an interview situation (with two examples)? In my book everyone get's treated with courtesy and respect until they do something to lose that privilege. If I think you're a twat it's because you're a class a twat, not because you're black/gay/follow a particular religion, etc. Similarly my black/gay/religious mates are my mates because they're nice people and I enjoy their company. That's it. Furthermore, blustering, "some of my best friends are..." is frankly beneath me.
All of this aside, it's rather patronising to assume I can't keep my mouth shut. Yes I have beliefs and opinions. Shock. Horror. Some might not comply entirely in line with what is thought to be politically correct. However, I'm grown up to realise that (if I get accepted) the undertaking of this voluntary activity is not the forum to air these views. We all adapt our behaviour all the time to suit the circumstances so why, suddenly, is it necessary to prove it.
It has got me trying to think up some examples however. One that springs to mind is providing tutoring to kids with learning difficulties at school. That only shows I'm not disabledist (??) however.
I could say that I am currently working in a multi-ethnic workplace at the moment and everybody gets treated the same. They don't however. Some are twats and get treated as such, others I have more of a rapport with and so get treated more informally.
I could say that I took my boots off when going into a mosque when I was working as a delivery driver. That was partially due to the fact it was a mosque; mainly it was because my boots were muddy.
When I worked at a law firm, all the clients I encountered were treated with respect. Is that professionalism or respect for diversity.
As you can guess, I'm now scraping the barrel a bit. I could cite working as an English teacher for foreign kids I displayed cultural sensitivity. Despite the fact that it was a very informal environment, I respected the need for some nationalities to address me as, "Teacher" since calling a teacher by their first name was unheard of. Equally I explained that holding up the index and middle finger with the palm facing towards one's body is regarded as extremely rude in the UK.
Still struggling a bit though. I could bring up that I discuss national cuisine in great detail with those of different backgrounds (and eat as much local stuff as possible when abroad). Is this respect for diversity? Possibly. I just like eating tasty food.
The moral of the story is, I think I do have rather a lot of respect for diversity. Trouble is, it is almost entirely passive. It's not something I do, it's something that happens in my general course of conduct. To be honest, I think that's far better than having to consciously think about it.
Only one example springs to mind of conscious respect for diversity. That occurs when I go overseas. Despite not being a natural linguist, I always make a big effort to learn a few words of the local language. This will often not extend beyond, "please", "thank you" and "may I have a beer" before lapsing into English (well everybody does speak it) but I hope the effort counts for something. I think it's fairly basic respect to try and integrate into a culture where I am a guest.
The question is; is that enough?
JR
p.s. I decided not to go for the position. There were more pros than cons in my opinion. The bullshit questions did a lot to put me off but it wasn't the only reason.
Firstly; what happened to the presumption of innocence. Last I heard, it still was in force. Surely it should be assumed that I'm not racist until proved otherwise.
Secondly; what. The. Fuck!
Seriously!?
How is one supposed to prove this in an interview situation (with two examples)? In my book everyone get's treated with courtesy and respect until they do something to lose that privilege. If I think you're a twat it's because you're a class a twat, not because you're black/gay/follow a particular religion, etc. Similarly my black/gay/religious mates are my mates because they're nice people and I enjoy their company. That's it. Furthermore, blustering, "some of my best friends are..." is frankly beneath me.
All of this aside, it's rather patronising to assume I can't keep my mouth shut. Yes I have beliefs and opinions. Shock. Horror. Some might not comply entirely in line with what is thought to be politically correct. However, I'm grown up to realise that (if I get accepted) the undertaking of this voluntary activity is not the forum to air these views. We all adapt our behaviour all the time to suit the circumstances so why, suddenly, is it necessary to prove it.
It has got me trying to think up some examples however. One that springs to mind is providing tutoring to kids with learning difficulties at school. That only shows I'm not disabledist (??) however.
I could say that I am currently working in a multi-ethnic workplace at the moment and everybody gets treated the same. They don't however. Some are twats and get treated as such, others I have more of a rapport with and so get treated more informally.
I could say that I took my boots off when going into a mosque when I was working as a delivery driver. That was partially due to the fact it was a mosque; mainly it was because my boots were muddy.
When I worked at a law firm, all the clients I encountered were treated with respect. Is that professionalism or respect for diversity.
As you can guess, I'm now scraping the barrel a bit. I could cite working as an English teacher for foreign kids I displayed cultural sensitivity. Despite the fact that it was a very informal environment, I respected the need for some nationalities to address me as, "Teacher" since calling a teacher by their first name was unheard of. Equally I explained that holding up the index and middle finger with the palm facing towards one's body is regarded as extremely rude in the UK.
Still struggling a bit though. I could bring up that I discuss national cuisine in great detail with those of different backgrounds (and eat as much local stuff as possible when abroad). Is this respect for diversity? Possibly. I just like eating tasty food.
The moral of the story is, I think I do have rather a lot of respect for diversity. Trouble is, it is almost entirely passive. It's not something I do, it's something that happens in my general course of conduct. To be honest, I think that's far better than having to consciously think about it.
Only one example springs to mind of conscious respect for diversity. That occurs when I go overseas. Despite not being a natural linguist, I always make a big effort to learn a few words of the local language. This will often not extend beyond, "please", "thank you" and "may I have a beer" before lapsing into English (well everybody does speak it) but I hope the effort counts for something. I think it's fairly basic respect to try and integrate into a culture where I am a guest.
The question is; is that enough?
JR
p.s. I decided not to go for the position. There were more pros than cons in my opinion. The bullshit questions did a lot to put me off but it wasn't the only reason.
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