Racism or not?

**still21inmymind** · 10-09-2008, 19:05

My daughter was viewing a website, to which she had been referred by a former college tutor as being suitable for her in her chosen career.

However, on visiting the site the opening paragraph contains the following sentence, which rather limits her options:

"If you are from a black minority ethnic background, live in the North West as a UK resident and are of working age (no upper limit), our scheme is the one for you."

This is the link to the actual website

http://cdnnorth.org.uk/uncategorized/802

Is this racist, or am I being oversensitive?, the statement means that of her former course, only 4% are eligible to apply.

**dante242** · 10-09-2008, 19:08

Sadly not
"The term affirmative action describes policies aimed at a historically socio-politically non-dominant group (typically, minority men or women of all racial groups) intended to promote its access to education or employment. Motivation for affirmative action is a desire to redress effects of actual or perceived, past or current discrimination that is regarded as unfair.[who?] It also serves to encourage public institutions such as universities, hospitals and police forces to be more representative of the population[1].

This is commonly achieved through targeted recruitment programs aimed at applicants from socio-politically disadvantaged groups. In some cases affirmative action involves giving preferential treatment to these groups.[2] Opponents of affirmative action policies argue that they are based on collectivism and merely another equal form of discrimination because they can result in qualified applicants being denied entry to higher education or employment because they belong to a particular social group (usually the historically socio-politically dominant group; typically majority races and men, regardless of social standing or financial need.)[3] They also argue that preferential treatment should be based upon current social and economical standing, not that of one's ancestors. Some opponents say affirmative action devalues the accomplishments of people who are chosen because of the social group they belong to rather than their qualifications.[4]"

**skintboymike** · 10-09-2008, 19:12

Originally Posted by dante242

Sadly not
"The term affirmative action describes policies aimed at a historically socio-politically non-dominant group (typically, minority men or women of all racial groups) intended to promote its access to education or employment. Motivation for affirmative action is a desire to redress effects of actual or perceived, past or current discrimination that is regarded as unfair.[who?] It also serves to encourage public institutions such as universities, hospitals and police forces to be more representative of the population[1].

This is commonly achieved through targeted recruitment programs aimed at applicants from socio-politically disadvantaged groups. In some cases affirmative action involves giving preferential treatment to these groups.[2] Opponents of affirmative action policies argue that they are based on collectivism and merely another equal form of discrimination because they can result in qualified applicants being denied entry to higher education or employment because they belong to a particular social group (usually the historically socio-politically dominant group; typically majority races and men, regardless of social standing or financial need.)[3] They also argue that preferential treatment should be based upon current social and economical standing, not that of one's ancestors. Some opponents say affirmative action devalues the accomplishments of people who are chosen because of the social group they belong to rather than their qualifications.[4]"

Popularly labelled 'Positive Discrimination'.

**bloodforblood** · 10-09-2008, 19:13

Sounds like positive discrimination to me... but what would i know being an employed, white, married male?

**smudge67** · 10-09-2008, 19:17

Has she considered boot polish for the interview? Or not washing for a couple of months?

**jarrod248** · 10-09-2008, 19:19

Just tick the box that she is black.

**smudge67** · 10-09-2008, 19:21

Originally Posted by jarrod248

Just tick the box that she is black.

Then when they ask her in the interview why she ticked "black", when she isn't then she mearly has to ask why they are oppressing her right to be black! A fail proof plan!

**Sixty** · 10-09-2008, 19:23

Tell her to pretend she's a moth. Twelve times the places apparently.

**still21inmymind** · 10-09-2008, 19:23

So if as a result of affirmative action my daughter becomes socio-politically disadvantaged, and is unable to find employment, who or what does she have redress to?.

What p1sses me off is that there is no legal requirement to disclose on any application one's race, colour, religion or sexuality, yet most forms now include a question about these.

**still21inmymind** · 10-09-2008, 19:29

Originally Posted by smudge67

Originally Posted by jarrod248

Just tick the box that she is black.

Then when they ask her in the interview why she ticked "black", when she isn't then she mearly has to ask why they are oppressing her right to be black! A fail proof plan!

Do I detect a shade of "Life Of Brian" there?.

**JoseyWales** · 10-09-2008, 19:30

The other side of the coin and the utter farce of it all can be recognised here. A mate of mine went on a board for a specialist role, he failed the interview. You couldn't have had a more ideal candidate for the job and I backed him all the way.

I talked to him a couple of days later because he was still on a massive downer. He failed on his diversity evidence. He is black FFS.

How much more diversity did they need?.

**rebel_with_a_cause** · 10-09-2008, 19:32

Originally Posted by bloodforblood

Sounds like positive discrimination to me... but what would i know being an employed, white, married male?

You are obviously a racist, sexist and probably homophobic bigot.

**Mobat** · 10-09-2008, 19:36

It is racist and would be illegal in a civilised country.

The loophole in British law is that this is training, all be it paid, not employment.

It is unfortunately legal to offer training on a racist basis, providing you are discriminating against whites.

**Gren** · 10-09-2008, 19:37

But I want the right to be black, but your not black !, no but its my right to want to be black for the sake of employment!

Monty python or not, its the sad state of affairs we live in, where if it said "if your white etc etc" this is the course for you, it would be classed as racist and would have to be changed.
But in the modern "all things are racist unless its against white people", we sadly have to abide by the PC police and all that they fight for.

Anyone would think this was our country for christs sake, (sorry mohameds sake, or other none christian faith deity for risk of offending some group or another)

**ark-angel** · 10-09-2008, 19:38

Just dont tick a box and see what happens..
ps: if it is working for ITV just forget it what a load of tossers, swindled me out of a couple of hundred quid and my brother thousands, had to put a winding up order on them to pay up.