New Criteria for Advancement?
Would a Latina be likely to have a more well-rounded, multicultural perspective than a white man who has lived and worked his entire life in only mainstream environments?
Sotomayor said, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”
“Better” was an unfortunate word choice, but if she means that individuals who have lived a minority experience, and then come into the mainstream, are more likely to have a multicultural perspective than members of the dominant white male group, then I would agree. People who have experienced what it’s like to be on both sides of the dominant white power structure in the U.S. do indeed have a value-added, more well rounded frame of reference. Some white folks also acquire multicultural perspectives, and that’s value added, too. (Bill Clinton has been called the first Black president by African Americans-but even there he can’t truly experience a Black perspective).
Just being of a minority group doesn’t assure you will have multicultural perspective. Many African Americans have been disappointed that Clarence Thomas sits on the court as an individual, but has chosen not to be a voice for commonly held values of the Black community. Many African Americans would like him to be both an individual AND a member of a group who has insider understanding.
We are a country of rule by law, but it is important that multiple perspectives input into the law. At different times in our history, slavery, burning witches, genocide and forced removal of Native Americans, and internment camps for Japanese Americans have all been legal. The beauty of our government of rule by law is that it can constantly improve. As people with multicultural perspectives (including white men) join the court, that can’t help but increase “liberty and justice for all”.
So, here’s my question: Is it value-added to have a multicultural perspective, and should multicultural experience be counted toward points on performance evaluations, structured interviews, recruiting efforts, etc.?
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