Read on Twitter
A Brief Thread on Using the Same Hack Companies Use to Have a 90%+ White Workplace to Have a Diverse Workplace:
First off, I want to say that this original poster did nothing wrong.
The post merely asked for the names of "Black Union Editors" it did not say this was for a hire. https://twitter.com/Nicole_saysLove/status/1273024834193195009
First off, I want to say that this original poster did nothing wrong.
The post merely asked for the names of "Black Union Editors" it did not say this was for a hire. https://twitter.com/Nicole_saysLove/status/1273024834193195009
There is nothing illegal or wrong about compiling a list of editors of color. Nor even making an effort to specifically recruit an editor of color. That is allowed.
What is not allowed by law, is advertising for candidates of a specific race or gender. (actors exempted)
What is not allowed by law, is advertising for candidates of a specific race or gender. (actors exempted)
Example: I'm looking to hire a black editor for a job.
That is illegal. Not allowed. Don't do it.
So then you might wonder, how it is that the vast majority of prized spots in our industry end up going overwhelmingly to white-male candidates.
And that, dear reader, is our hack.
That is illegal. Not allowed. Don't do it.
So then you might wonder, how it is that the vast majority of prized spots in our industry end up going overwhelmingly to white-male candidates.
And that, dear reader, is our hack.
The key word here is "qualified." You see, companies use that term as if it's a neutral and objective quality. As if the word had a specific meaning, and you were or were not it.
But, as the demographics in our industry show, "qualified" has a clear white-male bias.
But, as the demographics in our industry show, "qualified" has a clear white-male bias.
And that's because "qualified" can mean pretty much whatever you want it to mean.
For some "qualified" means going to private university, or having prestigious internship (both of which favor whites). It can mean work experience at predominantly white companies (favors whites).
For some "qualified" means going to private university, or having prestigious internship (both of which favor whites). It can mean work experience at predominantly white companies (favors whites).
In an industry full of nepotism, it can mean having worked with established filmmakers (who because the industry is predominantly white-male, favors white-males). On and on.
The actual meaning of the word qualified however depends upon the person hiring.
The actual meaning of the word qualified however depends upon the person hiring.
If qualified means the status quo, you'll just reflect the status quo.
So, dear reader, if you're hiring someone, and you value the importance of a diverse workspace. To you "qualified" can mean pretty much whatever you want with regards to a person's experience.
So, dear reader, if you're hiring someone, and you value the importance of a diverse workspace. To you "qualified" can mean pretty much whatever you want with regards to a person's experience.
Qualified can mean, you prefer a public University graduate over a private one, because public universities have curriculum that is more grounded.
Qualified can mean having actual worked experience instead of an unpaid internship the candidate couldn't afford to take.
Qualified can mean having actual worked experience instead of an unpaid internship the candidate couldn't afford to take.
Qualified can mean a candidate who has had jobs in all the tiers of our industry, rather than getting a cush spots with one of their Dad's friends.
If you're working with clients who are diverse, or on films about diverse experience. Then qualified can mean having lived experience that is as varied, and valid as those of the audience you want to reach or the clients you serve.
Qualified is what you say it is.
Qualified is what you say it is.
So hire the most qualified! Always hire the most qualified.
"How do I get more applicants that fit my qualifications" you might ask.
That's the important part. You see companies that hire mostly white-men never say in their ads that they're going to hire mostly white-men....
"How do I get more applicants that fit my qualifications" you might ask.
That's the important part. You see companies that hire mostly white-men never say in their ads that they're going to hire mostly white-men....
they don't have to, because white-male is the default in our industry, it's the status quo. So if you put up an ad for a spot in our field, in the most common places, you'll get overwhelmed with white-male applicants.
There are 3 things you can do legally to improve that...
There are 3 things you can do legally to improve that...
1) Instead of posting your ads and recruiting from the same places where everyone goes. You can post your ads, and recruit from places (without specifying racial or gender criteria for hiring) that have a more diverse audience.
If you're wondering where to find these places, ask PoC in the biz, they'll tell you.
2) Ask for recommendations from PoC, we tend to know more people of color than the status quo in our industry. We all recommend who we know, so ask ppl who know PoC to recommend someone.
2) Ask for recommendations from PoC, we tend to know more people of color than the status quo in our industry. We all recommend who we know, so ask ppl who know PoC to recommend someone.
3) When you put up an ad, you can't say you're only looking for candidates of one race or gender (and you shouldn't do that anyway - look for the most qualified!) but you can communicate to your audience, that you value diverse applicants.
It's perfectly legal to say "MyCompany, Inc is committed to having a diverse workplace. Women and People of Color are encouraged to apply."
You're not ruling anyone out, you're not excluding, you are encouraging diversity. And you will get much more diverse applicants.
FIN.
You're not ruling anyone out, you're not excluding, you are encouraging diversity. And you will get much more diverse applicants.
FIN.
