Mr. Token: I suppose I’ve been that in someone’s eyes for all of my working career; quite possibly except when I worked on the assembly line in an automotive iron foundry pouring steel motor blocks. The rest of my time I was a product designer which combined the skills of a mechanical engineer with those of an artist—a very unique job that not many could do. I suppose that’s why I got the jobs.
I was like a Navy Seal—brought in to do the impossible. Perhaps at some points, there was the hope that I would fail; but as my reputation for success grew, I think I became a “Hail Mary.”
I’m sure that someone on some of those jobs made themselves comfortable believing I was there only as a token. I never cared, I loved the work and outside of the assignment, I was totally inaccessible—anti-social. I earned the right to be above the fray.
I don’t think either Clarence Thomas or Ben Carson have your feelings of “tokenism”—they see themselves as exceptional.
Thomas has demonstrated by his rulings that he’s getting even for having had to be Black; expect the same from Carson.
If you love your job it becomes work—like artists describe their “work;” they never speak of writing a book, composing a song, painting a portrait as a “job.”—its their “work.”
Tokens have jobs, artists have work.
I was like a Navy Seal—brought in to do the impossible. Perhaps at some points, there was the hope that I would fail; but as my reputation for success grew, I think I became a “Hail Mary.”
I’m sure that someone on some of those jobs made themselves comfortable believing I was there only as a token. I never cared, I loved the work and outside of the assignment, I was totally inaccessible—anti-social. I earned the right to be above the fray.
I don’t think either Clarence Thomas or Ben Carson have your feelings of “tokenism”—they see themselves as exceptional.
Thomas has demonstrated by his rulings that he’s getting even for having had to be Black; expect the same from Carson.
If you love your job it becomes work—like artists describe their “work;” they never speak of writing a book, composing a song, painting a portrait as a “job.”—its their “work.”
Tokens have jobs, artists have work.
2
"How do you know when you’re being used as an excuse? How can you tell the difference between a new employer who is making earnest steps toward diversity and one who is just trying to cover himself? What about the times when you know it’s the latter but want the spot, or need it, or tell yourself that being successful in it will crack the door wider for the next person? How do you prove that you belong? Can you?"
Yes. Having earned/been given the opportunity ... by doing excellent work!
Yes. Having earned/been given the opportunity ... by doing excellent work!
1
Surgeons are highly skilled technicians, not known for intellectual curiosity or prowess. Carson speaks with bumbling inarticulateness and cluelessness about managing a complex area of social policy. Yes, he's a token, but his evident incompetence for the job is the real problem. We need a HUD leader who is deeply knowledgeable and passionately committed to resolving the housing crisis that has rendered so many people homeless.
3
I witnessed tokenism, window dressing, and perfunctory inclusion up close and personal as a Race Relations (RR) officer in the US Army at the end of the Vietnam era when our draft force was converted to an all volunteer force. One of the tasks assigned to the RR military occupational specialty (MOS) was the monitoring of any discriminatory trends in recruitment in order to prevent people of color from being hired only when wars were being waged while giving white men military jobs during times of peace. Sounded good to an idealistic young me!
But Race Relations was one of the very few voluntary MOS's and considered a career killer for officers. And, by creating this "special" MOS, the Army complied with EEO and affirmative action but, in so doing, actually insured itself against charges of institutional racism and other ism's while it was much mired in those ism's.
Was the EEO effort intentionally blunted? I do not know. My experience with disempowerment (or inauthentic empowerment) however, was enough that, while I kept my heart in the cause, I moved myself to a career which focused on personal rather than institutional change so that I might live feeling less frustrated in my soul and more joyful and effective at work, however illusory that might have been...
God bless those who righteously tackle the large social forces! Happy MLK Jr Day, all!
But Race Relations was one of the very few voluntary MOS's and considered a career killer for officers. And, by creating this "special" MOS, the Army complied with EEO and affirmative action but, in so doing, actually insured itself against charges of institutional racism and other ism's while it was much mired in those ism's.
Was the EEO effort intentionally blunted? I do not know. My experience with disempowerment (or inauthentic empowerment) however, was enough that, while I kept my heart in the cause, I moved myself to a career which focused on personal rather than institutional change so that I might live feeling less frustrated in my soul and more joyful and effective at work, however illusory that might have been...
God bless those who righteously tackle the large social forces! Happy MLK Jr Day, all!
3
Remember old Michael Brown (aka Brownie), the unqualified political appointment who bumbled the response to one of the greatest natural disasters in the nation's history.
His clear incompetence showed him completely unequal to the task of managing the Federal disaster relief and resigned in disgrace.
Trump is appointing "Brownies" to cabinet level positions, that won't workout well.
His clear incompetence showed him completely unequal to the task of managing the Federal disaster relief and resigned in disgrace.
Trump is appointing "Brownies" to cabinet level positions, that won't workout well.
2
As a gay man there's several times where I felt as a token or quota filler. When I first applied to college as a straight student I was accepted to good not great schools. When I transferred and wrote of coming out and discovering what it means to be a gay man I was suddenly accepted to schools that were frankly better than I deserved to attend on merit. I found the situation even more pronounce when I went to work in finance and felt much more explicitly that I was checking the box they were looking for to fill an LGBT quota. In reality, this quota filling diminishes the accomplishments of those who benefit as I often found myself asking, and I'm sure others murmured as well, if I deserved the chances that had come my way.
2
Thank you for the thoughtful essay. I really appreciate genuine and thoughtful reflection.
I hope if I am ever in a real position of power, I will chose people who fit the job. I hope that it will not be a choice to appease quotas or false merits, but genuine selection that reflects the best of humanity that I can find. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don't hold any reins, so I don't know how I will actually do were I in such a seat.
I hope if I am ever in a real position of power, I will chose people who fit the job. I hope that it will not be a choice to appease quotas or false merits, but genuine selection that reflects the best of humanity that I can find. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don't hold any reins, so I don't know how I will actually do were I in such a seat.
8
Wayne, you are a thoughtful and trustworthy guy. Not to mention intellectually gifted. Any organization you ran would surely be successful.
1
Many of us feel as you do. I am a white woman. In my first job out of business school I was a token woman in the financial services industry. Everyone wants equal opportunity and no one wants to be a token. I am sure white males do not appreciate being cast as privileged and being passed over for another candidate because the other candidate helps an employer or university meet some affirmative action goal. We all want a meritocracy but the society doesn't always deliver that. It's a tough problem with no easy solutions. If only we could pass a law requiring fairness and reason. If only we could pass a law prohibiting bigotry and misogyny. If only society could evolve to value compassion, cooperation and humanity.
8
"If only ..., but ...". But what, Madam?
I thought it would be helpful to this particualar department which has a very large portfolio of programs of great importance to those living in marginal circumstances to have at its head a very intelligent, accomplished person who life experiences included that of the main clients of the department. Still, I can see that it leaves Dr. Carson as the exception to the color of others in the Cabinet. So on balance a great choice for the job and ... the rest is another issue.
2
Have his claims to those life experiences been corroborated?
I can't quite understand what you are trying to say.
If you mean it would be useful to have a black person in charge of HUD, fine, but keep in mind that more than half of HUD recipients are not black.
If you mean it would be useful to have a HUD administrator who understands housing and the challenges entailed in providing services to a population of vast diversity in racial, psychological, geographic, and economic terms, that is clearly not Dr. Carson whose only known expertise is pediatric surgery.
If you want to suggest that someone whose life experience includes life in HUD-like housing programs, keep in mind that the experience taken out of context is meaningless or even a source of conflict, and that no one has been more aggressive at blaming HUD recipients for lack of ambition, for lack of personal pride, for a desire to lay back and coast through life on the government dollar.
Because only Ben Carson, in the history of America, had the gumption and the moral fortitude to escape such humiliating circumstances.
And he fully intends, as he himself has said, to ratchet up the shame and humiliation to 'help' others raise themselves above this dastardly government trap. Where they will live in the meantime is anybody's guess, and not Carson's concern.
If you mean it would be useful to have a black person in charge of HUD, fine, but keep in mind that more than half of HUD recipients are not black.
If you mean it would be useful to have a HUD administrator who understands housing and the challenges entailed in providing services to a population of vast diversity in racial, psychological, geographic, and economic terms, that is clearly not Dr. Carson whose only known expertise is pediatric surgery.
If you want to suggest that someone whose life experience includes life in HUD-like housing programs, keep in mind that the experience taken out of context is meaningless or even a source of conflict, and that no one has been more aggressive at blaming HUD recipients for lack of ambition, for lack of personal pride, for a desire to lay back and coast through life on the government dollar.
Because only Ben Carson, in the history of America, had the gumption and the moral fortitude to escape such humiliating circumstances.
And he fully intends, as he himself has said, to ratchet up the shame and humiliation to 'help' others raise themselves above this dastardly government trap. Where they will live in the meantime is anybody's guess, and not Carson's concern.
1
I don't know of too many blacks who *haven't* been A/The Token something. Typically it is on the job. I visited the South recently and it was so refreshing to see an abundance of black faces in every employment capacity: Banking, Retail, Medical, Sales and in virtually every Commercial. Ben Carson isn't "special" in the this regard.
6
I can't help but feel that we (incoming administration) are on the verge of taking one giant step backward in so many areas. Race relations, gender equality, environmental concerns, foreign policy, immigration attitude, overall professionalism -- just a few that are top of mind. what a mess this is and will continue to be. We just have to pray that the straw that finally leads to Trump's demise is not catastrophic for the country.
13
Pray, if you like, but act, too, even if you don't want to. Politics is the alternative to war.
Superficial societies like America's that have cultural pretensions need tokens. Neither one thing nor another, but dependent on smiles of approval from perfect strangers and the merest perception of being "liked", Americans fall for this shallow inclusiveness that we all know should be perceived as its polar opposite.
2
I'd like the author to explain the differences and similarities between tokenism and the quota system
4
what quota system?
1
One narrative on Dr. Carson is that he is widely recognized as a superior physician.
Why would an "amazing" and “remarkable” neurosurgeon who is a member of the Institute of Medicine leave his field entirely at a relatively young age? Though bestowed with many “honors” throughout his career, Dr. Carson has never assumed any leadership roles within academia beyond being director of a subdivision (pediatric neurosurgery) of a department (neurosurgery) within a university medical school (Johns Hopkins). Dr. Carson was never director of a full department, never dean of a school of medicine, never president of a university, and never elected to lead any major medical or neurosurgical association.
Has Dr. Carson even participated in any of the working groups or activities of the Institute of Medicine? None that I can find.
Separating conjoined twins is a singular technical achievement. I suspect that his various comments over the years, however, revealing the person behind the famous façade of technical achievement, may explain why he has never assumed leadership roles.
Chris Rojek is a professor of sociology and has written about the sociology of celebrity. Dr. Carson is more than a “celetoid,” but Rojek would say that Dr. Carson has shifted from being an “achieved celebrity” to an “attributed celebrity.”
Dr. Carson's appointment to a cabinet post leading HUD is a disgrace, when far more qualified individuals are available.
Why would an "amazing" and “remarkable” neurosurgeon who is a member of the Institute of Medicine leave his field entirely at a relatively young age? Though bestowed with many “honors” throughout his career, Dr. Carson has never assumed any leadership roles within academia beyond being director of a subdivision (pediatric neurosurgery) of a department (neurosurgery) within a university medical school (Johns Hopkins). Dr. Carson was never director of a full department, never dean of a school of medicine, never president of a university, and never elected to lead any major medical or neurosurgical association.
Has Dr. Carson even participated in any of the working groups or activities of the Institute of Medicine? None that I can find.
Separating conjoined twins is a singular technical achievement. I suspect that his various comments over the years, however, revealing the person behind the famous façade of technical achievement, may explain why he has never assumed leadership roles.
Chris Rojek is a professor of sociology and has written about the sociology of celebrity. Dr. Carson is more than a “celetoid,” but Rojek would say that Dr. Carson has shifted from being an “achieved celebrity” to an “attributed celebrity.”
Dr. Carson's appointment to a cabinet post leading HUD is a disgrace, when far more qualified individuals are available.
26
I have responded only one other time to a NYT article. This article, as with the other, moved me. I am a white female and cannot imagine the complexity of navigating life as a person of color or any other kind of diversity. I am not sure any person really can if they do not walk in those shoes. Mr. Howard brought me inside that complex world...as I said prior, it not only moved me, it moved me to tears....
10
GREG HOWARD - "...and its few women and people of color, tend to appear in roles that feel like afterthoughts or stereotypes."
Mr. Howard my first thought after reading your words was who, who feels that these women and people of color were afterthoughts? It is my opinion that everyone who "feels" that way is inherently a racist. Someone once said that racism is found first and foremost in the minds and hearts of the beholders.
Mr. Howard my first thought after reading your words was who, who feels that these women and people of color were afterthoughts? It is my opinion that everyone who "feels" that way is inherently a racist. Someone once said that racism is found first and foremost in the minds and hearts of the beholders.
1
Your opinion.
2
BernPrice - "Your opinion."
Exactly, just like Greg Howard's opinion and your opinion as well, so what is your point?
Exactly, just like Greg Howard's opinion and your opinion as well, so what is your point?
5
Dr. Carson sadly cashed in his remarkable career as a brilliant surgeon for a lucrative gig speaking to conservative, mostly white audiences, telling them what they want to hear and giving them permission to disregard the racial reconciliation so desperately needed in this country.
Carson's story is both inspirational and illusory. The inspiration comes from his remarkable rise from poverty to become a leading neurosurgeon. His story gave young people of color much needed hope - a living example that it is at least possible. It was for his second career, speaking to those conservative white audiences, that the inspiration was traded in for an illusion. Those audiences were allowed to believe that Carson's career was actually not remarkable, but instead inevitable. If only all those poor, black kids would just work hard and show some determination, they all could grow up to become leading neurosurgeons. If Carson can succeed, there are obviously no more racial or economic barriers. It's just up to them kids to show some gumption. That's the illusion that Carson has abetted.
So now, when Donald Trump hears "urban" in a federal department's name, of course he thinks of Dr. Carson. He literally embodies the easy fix Trump insists can be applied to all those "burning and crime-infested inner cities."
It's up to Dr. Carson. Will he willingly serve as a token abetting an illusion, or will he try to inspire a turn towards reality in Trump's cabinet? I am trying to be hopeful.
Carson's story is both inspirational and illusory. The inspiration comes from his remarkable rise from poverty to become a leading neurosurgeon. His story gave young people of color much needed hope - a living example that it is at least possible. It was for his second career, speaking to those conservative white audiences, that the inspiration was traded in for an illusion. Those audiences were allowed to believe that Carson's career was actually not remarkable, but instead inevitable. If only all those poor, black kids would just work hard and show some determination, they all could grow up to become leading neurosurgeons. If Carson can succeed, there are obviously no more racial or economic barriers. It's just up to them kids to show some gumption. That's the illusion that Carson has abetted.
So now, when Donald Trump hears "urban" in a federal department's name, of course he thinks of Dr. Carson. He literally embodies the easy fix Trump insists can be applied to all those "burning and crime-infested inner cities."
It's up to Dr. Carson. Will he willingly serve as a token abetting an illusion, or will he try to inspire a turn towards reality in Trump's cabinet? I am trying to be hopeful.
10
Given Dr. Carson's denial of the reality of evolution and touting the reality of biblical myths, I see no reason to hope that he will in any way steer the Trump administration towards reality but will instead give it greater steam to charge into fantasy.
13
There may always be whites who don’t accept blacks or other groups for whatever reasons, as “equal”, “cultured” or other categories.
For educated whites [and others] the cure may be different. You expect a minister will talk about religion and tune him out. White stereotype of blacks---they want to talk about discrimination at all levels. It is assumed, and looking at universities, that most black students and teachers will be in the humanities or social science, or lawyers fighting for social justice or teaching in K-12. Fine. But how many black mathematicians, physical science, engineers, biological science or MDs, can people name ? I look at university Web pages and see very few—students or professors---and can name very few in research or that appear on TV explaining science. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Sylvester James Gates are the only two that come to mind---the later because of NOVA. I’m sure there are many more but why is it so hard to name them---discrimination, academic preparation [k-12 or college], their choice of majors [social science, humanities, teaching] or fields they want to go into ?
On top of this, if [budding] scientists go to MIT, Caltech, Harvard, that give them some credence, but Howard or other historic black colleges ?
The book and movie, “Hidden Figures”, seems to show even their experience in the 50s and 60s, did not get the message across---I’d never heard their story. Sadly what should have been a small leap got forgotten or ignored.
For educated whites [and others] the cure may be different. You expect a minister will talk about religion and tune him out. White stereotype of blacks---they want to talk about discrimination at all levels. It is assumed, and looking at universities, that most black students and teachers will be in the humanities or social science, or lawyers fighting for social justice or teaching in K-12. Fine. But how many black mathematicians, physical science, engineers, biological science or MDs, can people name ? I look at university Web pages and see very few—students or professors---and can name very few in research or that appear on TV explaining science. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Sylvester James Gates are the only two that come to mind---the later because of NOVA. I’m sure there are many more but why is it so hard to name them---discrimination, academic preparation [k-12 or college], their choice of majors [social science, humanities, teaching] or fields they want to go into ?
On top of this, if [budding] scientists go to MIT, Caltech, Harvard, that give them some credence, but Howard or other historic black colleges ?
The book and movie, “Hidden Figures”, seems to show even their experience in the 50s and 60s, did not get the message across---I’d never heard their story. Sadly what should have been a small leap got forgotten or ignored.
3
I suspect that as time goes on with the Trump administration we will find that the president made many "token" gestures and statements prior to his election. What other expectation can we have other than that he will be a person of token actions while his real intention is to maintain the status quo as defined by the Republican Party.
A party who has turn of the century values - the 20th century
A party who has turn of the century values - the 20th century
4
Try nineteenth century
3
Trump is not so much rewarding Nikki Haley but is rewarding his boy Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster.
7
Who cares if Dr Carson considers himself a token?
What is more important is that the American public will have a massive federal department run by a man without experience.
He's a physician, and he grew up in "the slums"?
So did a lot of us, and we're not qualified to run HUD either.
What is more important is that the American public will have a massive federal department run by a man without experience.
He's a physician, and he grew up in "the slums"?
So did a lot of us, and we're not qualified to run HUD either.
19
In Trump's mind, Carson is perfectly qualified.
1. He will not hesitate to award contracts to Trumpistas
2. He is too incompetent in the subject matter to make a real difference, doing his part to delegitimise government
3. He has no leadership skills, as is usual with highly skilled technical people - he will get lost in technical details, and never challenge the Trumpistas
4. He is no competition for the Boss for air time - Carson knows how to stay out of the spotlight and keep his mouth shut, like a good little token must always do
5. He has no communication or legislative skills - Congress can cut his budget at will, claim the credit for saving taxpayer dollars and blame Carson for all the consequences
I have been a token (woman in management), and the blowback was usually severe when I demonstrated competence, leadership and ethics, much to the horror of my white male colleagues and bosses
1. He will not hesitate to award contracts to Trumpistas
2. He is too incompetent in the subject matter to make a real difference, doing his part to delegitimise government
3. He has no leadership skills, as is usual with highly skilled technical people - he will get lost in technical details, and never challenge the Trumpistas
4. He is no competition for the Boss for air time - Carson knows how to stay out of the spotlight and keep his mouth shut, like a good little token must always do
5. He has no communication or legislative skills - Congress can cut his budget at will, claim the credit for saving taxpayer dollars and blame Carson for all the consequences
I have been a token (woman in management), and the blowback was usually severe when I demonstrated competence, leadership and ethics, much to the horror of my white male colleagues and bosses
19
One explanation for tokenism is that the U.S. is at its core a white Christian country. Everyone else, with the exception of the Indians, are interlopers.
1
As a 50 something lesbian, I have had a different experience. I was hired and then became a token only afterwards. I feel pride that I was the first openly gay person that many of my co-workers ever knew. It was a strain because I felt strongly that I had to be a better person and worker because I represented an entire group but I hope that in that way I did make it easier for the next generation.
6
As a gay man, I understood the last sentences - "How do you prove that you belong? Can you?
I've found the answer is not in proving it to anyone else. it is by knowing it yourself....by who you are and what you accomplish.
I've found the answer is not in proving it to anyone else. it is by knowing it yourself....by who you are and what you accomplish.
7
There is little question that anyone not white and perhaps Christian in a Trump administration is a token because it is clear to any observer that Trump himself has no idea about the value of inclusion. Therefore, to Trump, it is likely simply optics and the serendipity of having had a black opponent which led to Carson being chosen.
However, I think a strong argument can be made that the idea of a 'token' has begun to lose relevance in our larger society (as opposed to Trump's universe.)
We took a big leap forward with Obama, and a larger step back in to the past with Trump. If our nation survives the next four years, perhaps we will have learned a lesson about many things--not just tokenism and race.
However, I think a strong argument can be made that the idea of a 'token' has begun to lose relevance in our larger society (as opposed to Trump's universe.)
We took a big leap forward with Obama, and a larger step back in to the past with Trump. If our nation survives the next four years, perhaps we will have learned a lesson about many things--not just tokenism and race.
4
A "token" and efforts geared towards promoting "diversity" at the expense of choosing competence and accomplishment are two sides of the same coin. Both stink, both discriminate against the best persons, and both bespeak of a basic anti-meritocracy attitude.
2
I am a life long Marylander and spent a number of years working in educational advocacy mostly with elementary aged children with disabilities. I do not know Dr. Carson personally however I do know of him through the children I worked with and their parents and caregivers. This is because these children were patients of his. I never encountered anyone among this group that had a bad word to say about him. In fact many of these people almost all of whom were poor or working class and minority had Dr.Carson's personal number and were advised to contact him anytime day or night if they had a problem,a question or a need of any kind. He often penned personal letters on behalf of these handicapped children to assist them with getting services through the public school system that they desperately needed but were being denied. Here in the Baltimore metro area he has set up a fund to offer college scholarships to young people who have potential to attend College but no money.I believe it is important to point out that because of who Ben Carson is where he emerged from and what he has managed to accomplish he is significantly out of the ordinary. World renowned neurosurgeons,authors and philanthropists are not exactly a dime a dozen in any particular racial group. In this context referring to him as a token is at best incorrect at worst defamatory.
4
I wonder what the role of the secretary of transportation will play in the administration? Mexicans pay for the wall and Chinese pay for roads and bridges? For a smart businessman, running business by using other people's money should be a no brainier! The looming trade war may not be so disastrous! I think liberals really worried too much!
This is rich, coming from the New York Times, which has its tokenism on full display for all the world to see. How many people of color do you have in top management again??? Mr. Howard, before you tell the world how you feel, maybe you should turn around and tell your editor.
2
It's not all about color. There is more to life and justice and fairness and unity than simply skin color.
1
Isn't affirmative action one large example of tokenism?
2
no
3
Yes, it is.
1
Only when it's administered by racists.
Apparently, only conservative black men can be tokens. Just disregard the several decades of "diversity" initiatives pushed by liberals that are hyper focused on racial categories. Heck, you can't even win a BAFTA anymore unless you have enough tokens, err, minorities in your "art." That's right, we're deciding winning art based on skin color now. A token gesture.
3
Trump definitely needed at least one black appointee, but I don't think Carson is less qualified for his slot than most of the others are for their slots. Which isn't saying much, I admit.
5
This appointment reflects the almost total lack of concern that Trump, like past Republican presidents, has for the intended beneficiaries of HUD: poor people with no or inadequate housing. Administrations generally place tokens or political hacks in departments that they judge unimportant. Remember Reagan selected Samuel Pierce for HUD, where he did little expect tolerate widespread corruption. Pierce himself never was indicted but a number of his aides were.
3
Well if we're getting real here, Carson not only agreed to take on the role of the token, his entire campaign was an exercise in application for the job. He actively sought after the rank of Token and volunteered for it long ago. Token doesn't even accurately describe it. He was the token candidate. Remember Herman Cain? Deja Vu. House servant is a more apt description. Carson is the worst kind of Uncle Tom. I'm sorry. (Although Thomas might be worse). Shuffling and jiving, "awww shucks mista Trump sa" can I shine yo shoes again? Hallelujah! After some of the things Trump said about Carson on the campaign trail. Called him unstable; a psycho.. It's beyond pathetic. Really sad. Disgusting even. The same could be said for Romney, Rubio or Ted Cruz. What to do about it? Don't let trump off the hook.. Don't let Carson or the others off the hook either. I thought Carson was so smart. Why take on a position he knows he can't begin to do? Inflated egos and a lack of core principles all around.
6
"Some people..."? That's cowardly, author. Let's move on from race, nothing good comes from it.
2
I don't know whether Ben Carson was chosen as a token, or because he is a Trump supporter and a conservative--he is certainly as ill-qualified for the HUD assignment as Trump's other picks are for theirs. Unfortunately, quite a number of eminent professionals and wealthy businessmen seem to have majored in Arrogance. They are convinced that their success in one field qualifies them to work in, pontificate on, or manage any other. Carson's statements about the function of the pyramids and his willingness to accept the HUD position seem to place him in this category.
1
Some commenters want to know the difference between tokenism and real efforts at diversity. Assuming they really want to know and aren't just posing the question as a polemic, here's my understanding:
When you're making an earnest effort at diversity it means you're taking transparent steps as an institution to cast your net widely to find candidates rather than looking to the same networks over and over again. If, for instance, you keep advertising in one trade journal and consistently get applicants that match that journal’s demographic, it means you’re missing pools of applicants who don’t fit that demographic and who often have had to gain their qualifications through less traditional means. It doesn’t mean you're looking at less qualified candidates, as is so often assumed, but that those candidates—because their opportunities for training were often different than those of traditional candidates--may not have checked the same standard boxes on their way to becoming qualified. Institutions that are making the effort are not lowering their standards; they’re committing to ongoing critical analysis of their traditional hiring practices and expanding those practices in creative ways. Critically, the institution must continue to do this expansive search for EVERY hire. Tokenism is when the institution does that once or twice, hires a candidate from an underrepresented group and then feels like it’s done its job and can go back to the old ways of hiring.
When you're making an earnest effort at diversity it means you're taking transparent steps as an institution to cast your net widely to find candidates rather than looking to the same networks over and over again. If, for instance, you keep advertising in one trade journal and consistently get applicants that match that journal’s demographic, it means you’re missing pools of applicants who don’t fit that demographic and who often have had to gain their qualifications through less traditional means. It doesn’t mean you're looking at less qualified candidates, as is so often assumed, but that those candidates—because their opportunities for training were often different than those of traditional candidates--may not have checked the same standard boxes on their way to becoming qualified. Institutions that are making the effort are not lowering their standards; they’re committing to ongoing critical analysis of their traditional hiring practices and expanding those practices in creative ways. Critically, the institution must continue to do this expansive search for EVERY hire. Tokenism is when the institution does that once or twice, hires a candidate from an underrepresented group and then feels like it’s done its job and can go back to the old ways of hiring.
7
Dr. Carson is a black man who rejects orthodox liberal views. No wonder the proponents of those views want to deprecate him as a mere token.
There're many reasons Trump won. This is one of them.
There're many reasons Trump won. This is one of them.
3
No, Carson is a man who rejects any science that doesn't reflect his fairy tale world view and believes the concept of fair housing is unnecessary. Book smart in some ways, perhaps, but people stupid to the bone.
9
No, he is a very highly educated black man who rejects orthodox liberal views. Your statements are woefully inadequate to document anything to justify your assertions. "Fairy tale world view" does not an argument make.
It works the other way as well, sometimes. In the early 1980's, my very white, Ivy League educated husband, bow tie and all, was hired to be the Chrm of the Math Dept at a school that was predominantly Jewish or Asian, with many of the parents connected to Hollywood in one way or another. The school was trying to raise its academic status, so they hired my late husband to be their "token Ivy League WASP". He was certainly very qualified for the job, but that's still why they hired him - he knew it and they knew it. Stuff happens...
4
Ah, yes. Stuff happens. Only it happens to some people a whole lot more than it happens to others.
The white male hegemony can't die soon enough. The rest of the world is yearning, striving and pressing against the gates. They will fall, but not fast enough.
"Hegemony" is leftist cant usually found in universities, where it substitutes for thinking, and reunions of SDS.
We white males have nothing to fear from meritocracy. Others should develop the same self-confidence, rather than hiding in academic gibberish.
We white males have nothing to fear from meritocracy. Others should develop the same self-confidence, rather than hiding in academic gibberish.
Trump's choosing Ben Carson, with no experience whatsoever in 'Housing', was likely chosen so it can be shown there is diversity in the mostly white bunch of misfits to steer the destiny of thousands, if not millions, of folks towards a better life and employment. Carson is being used, a most lamentable act.
Quite a few of us think Mr Obama was a token, incompetent and over-promoted
Best thing, turn off your television and stop looking at pictures, look at results
oh yeah, merit
Best thing, turn off your television and stop looking at pictures, look at results
oh yeah, merit
2
quite a few of you apparently can't tell the difference between an election (or two) and an appointment. enjoy.
1
tokenism also applies in elections, I submit
This seems to mesh with my experience in the Ivy League. Often, those who were most harmed by the politics of affirmative action were high-achieving black students, who struggled with self-doubt, the "steady, throbbing angst" and the ignorant judgments of others who suspected that there was a kind of tokenism or quota system or racial favoritism in place. In the absence of transparency or clarity, many of my black friends had to face the unfair suspicion that they weren't where they were on their own merit. In a sense, the policy benefited those who needed it to get in the door, on the backs of those who didn't need it to get in the door. Perhaps we are OK with the consequences, but many black kids I knew felt marked with a scarlet letter that they very much did not want to carry. I suspect that this undermined the formation of student friendships and culture across color lines, as well.
3
We really must stop the divisive race tokenism and start looking more at class division. There are a lot of poor, white Americans who don't have a snowball's chance in hell of ever getting ahead. No affirmative action for them, nope.
In the 70's my white mother who was a career nurse, with decades of experience, was overlooked for a promotion within the state. The job was instead given to a minority woman with half the experience, just because she was a minority.
So my six siblings and myself were denied what could've been extra help with community college expenses or food. So the shoe goes on both feet here.
In the 70's my white mother who was a career nurse, with decades of experience, was overlooked for a promotion within the state. The job was instead given to a minority woman with half the experience, just because she was a minority.
So my six siblings and myself were denied what could've been extra help with community college expenses or food. So the shoe goes on both feet here.
1
what a shame you family had to experience this...could it be that the state was also engaging in tokenism.
2
Ben Carson seems to be a genuinely nice man, I also think he is a very high functioning Aspergers case. This smacks of Reagans housing man Sam Pierce? An incompetent choice and proud of it. This is a 1980's retread government.
8
without a doubt this is about as racist a headlined article ever....my God, Mr
Carson is a brilliant man with an apparent need and want to help people whether within his educated range or through his life experience. This man is no one's token anything...and you sir are no brain surgeon. deplorable
Carson is a brilliant man with an apparent need and want to help people whether within his educated range or through his life experience. This man is no one's token anything...and you sir are no brain surgeon. deplorable
5
The Eisenhower Administration recognizing emerging Catholic political power pushed to appoint a token Supreme Court Justice. The Highest Court now comprises Catholics , Jews exclusively. Trump, needing to satisfy his Evangelical base, will probably appoint a token Protestant.
3
An accomplished person has the ability to transfer those same success skills to other endeavors. It is actually refreshing to see someone other than an "expert" in a field take on a leadership role. Certainly a new perspective is needed at HUD. Current attempts to inject "affordable" housing in better-off neighborhoods is repugnant to those who have struggled mightily to get where they are without a handout. Those attempts have typically been abject failures as any rationale person would expect.
1
Truth is we notice, but I don't think Ben does...he's loony and doesn't see much. I have always thought of him as a idiot savant...he can do one thing great, but that's about it. How he plans on helping the poor is beyond me since he doesn't think they want help, he thinks they like to be poor and have hand outs. Bad choice for housing.....
10
While it might seem that appointing an unqualified minority candidate is one of those bad examples of affirmative action at work, in the case of Trump appointments, this is not the case. None of his nominees is qualified, regardless of gender or race.
7
Even Dr Carson realized that Health and Human services would be too much of a challenge for him. Its obvious Trump wanted to give him something, but at this stage in his life maybe a cabinet post is not the best fit. Any cabinet post requires experience in leading a large bureaucracy of professionals, leadership and business skills. Dr Carson was a gifted surgeon, but some of his statements have shown his current thinking is not practical, realistic, or even logical. Those ideas are not consistent with what is required in Any administrative position and will leave him open to much criticism by those who have to work under him not to mention those he is expected to serve. No one will benefit from Trump's attempt at kindness, least of all Dr. Carson who we prefer to remember as that great surgeon.
2
Very interesting. But there are more dimensions here -- some of them painful.
Carson is by all accounts an amazing surgeon. Yet he's also got kooky beliefs, and he (like Trump) showed himself completely unprepared when he ran for president. In fact, Carson's arrogant view that he wouldn't really need any special skill or experience to be president is a lot like Trump's.
Trump is largely choosing people he believes he'll be comfortable with. He's obviously not generally comfortable with black or brown people or strong women. But also he requires sycophancy. This makes it hard for anyone to work for him and be secure in their dignity, and it must be especially hard on women and minorities.
Carson is by all accounts an amazing surgeon. Yet he's also got kooky beliefs, and he (like Trump) showed himself completely unprepared when he ran for president. In fact, Carson's arrogant view that he wouldn't really need any special skill or experience to be president is a lot like Trump's.
Trump is largely choosing people he believes he'll be comfortable with. He's obviously not generally comfortable with black or brown people or strong women. But also he requires sycophancy. This makes it hard for anyone to work for him and be secure in their dignity, and it must be especially hard on women and minorities.
8
As someone raised on welfare, I saw a lot of the subtle distinctions and discrimination in the workplace based on class and being a young woman starting out in Silicon Valley. Fortunately, I've worked in companies where the work ethic was more important than other distinctions; EEO laws did a lot to help educate companies against discrimination and sexual harassment. The movement now seems to be gender-based and providing full rights to LBGT citizens. I suspect with the graying of America, the next threshold will be stopping discrimination against older workers; a tall order. But it goes to say that equal rights are needed across the spectrum. For Mr. Howard, I am visualizing the day when many millions like him are in the workplace and no one will think twice about it.
12
I'm one of those gray Americans and a woman. I've taught high school, worked as a financial analyst for a major company, started and sold 2 successful businesses. I would love to keep working. I don't want to climb a corporate ladder anymore; I just want to have meaningful work with a decent wage for another 5 years. That's only because I'm deathly afraid I will outlive my retirement savings, much of which is tied up in real estate that never did come back after the banks tanked us. Do you think there's even one company out there who would deign to look at my resume vs. the 25-year-old?
3
It seems to me this whole discussion could have been avoided had Ben Carson been chosen to be Surgeon General instead.
It seems like Trump heard the word "urban" and immediately thought, "I know, Dr. Carson!"
That might not be the case. But it's the perception of many.
It seems like Trump heard the word "urban" and immediately thought, "I know, Dr. Carson!"
That might not be the case. But it's the perception of many.
116
You speak for many? You sure don't speak for anyone we know..........Dr Carson knows what it's like to live in poverty....bet you don't
1
I know, right? But trump already has his own doctor(???) in New York.
Ben Carson may be the perfect fit, but it does appear to be token, and it's certainly not beneath Trump to do so. However, we should at least give it a chance before we start throwing rocks.
17
Mr. Howard, You're right. As you raise certain questions about inclusion, I would argue that others also be raised. I think, to some degree, the civil rights movement and equality work was reduced to integration. This neglects larger issues. To be integrated suggest that whatever your attributes, skills, knowledge, culture, whatever, will either be destroyed, dismissed or denigrated. I don't think this was the original intent. I believe, and historical evidence, suggest African Americans wanted an equal/leveled field of access and opportunity. Integration misses this point. We need a new assessment of what, how and why the goals or objectives of equality are important. In this manner you (we) remove ourselves from tokenism and become self empowering to determine our own realities.
11
Agreed. And we can blame affirmative action for tokenism.
As a nation we have confused "equal opportunity" with "equal outcome" and part of that is a result of liberal politicians that think that they can dictate outcomes with all of our tax dollars yet 50 years of results proves otherwise
2
no we can't
I am a progressive-liberal, and I find Trump repugnant. BUT - What is the difference between a token and an effort at diversity?
30
A token opportunity usually involves no real power or significant possibility for advancement. It is more window dressing than real attempt at diversity. Tokens are meant to be seen and not heard. Also, tokens are VERY small in number and their presence generally guarantees that numbers of a minority will stay small because the position of token has already been taken!
119
Just saw the magnificent movie "Hidden Figures" and all I can say is that America is damn lucky these smart women had the opportunity to contribute to the United States' space program. Glad and grateful they broke new ground and barriers and had a chance to express their brilliance. http://www.npr.org/2016/12/16/505569187/hidden-figures-no-more-meet-the-...
18
Hmmm. I get it. Just like Mitt Romney had a binder full of qualified women.
1
Thank you. I have lived my life aiming to achieve great things while hoping to avoid being a "token." As a college educated, profressional black women this is part of my everyday life. Many will not seek to understand something outside their own lived experience. They will accuse you of race baiting or creating divison. But in actuality, you've given a voice, not only to many black people, but to minorities of all kinds who are tired of carrying this burden. I just want to be me, not your cover or your shield from accusation.
90
All of us would like that. I'm sure even the poor white kid in rural middle America wants that too.
"I have a dream, that one day our children will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."--MLK
Have we not yet learned that identity politics and group rights always causes harm, and all too often that harm outweighs any myopic benefit?
Have we not yet learned that identity politics and group rights always causes harm, and all too often that harm outweighs any myopic benefit?
32
And this is a practice that the left in this country led by the progressive NYT have perfected to a "T"!
Myopic benefits like being able to choose your own water fountain and use the same restaurants as everyone else?
3
The problem is that without group rights, the dominant group excludes minorities.
4
An apparent inaccuracy of Mr. Howard's article is that per news reports earlier (Nov/Dec 2016 - CNN, Business Insider, & others) Dr. Carson was effectively offered and could have had the Health & Human Services Secretary appointment but declined. It was in this context that Mr. Armstrong made the comment quoted and Dr. Carson at the time clarified that declining wasn't because of job complexity. He initially felt he'd serve best as an outside adviser rather than in an authoritative position. Remember that Dr. Carson is more like George Washington in that it was primarily due to the needs he saw in our society, and the desires of many ordinary citizens who wanted him to lead (first by running and now by continuing to help make changes in the government) that have led him to this opportunity. Dr. Carson's concerns with society and our problems nationally are much broader than the health industry. He believes he has things to offer as HUD secretary and is willing to learn. I think it will be a healthy exercise for administrators and others affiliated with the HUD to explain themselves and why they do what they do. Receiving and accepting this nomination involved, I believe, a large component of Ben's own choice. I'm not sure how rare it is, but one unique perspective he would bring to the position is having lived in slums before. Ben is not a token. Ideally, nobody should be, but all of us becoming friendly, fair & kind is a ways off yet.
30
Can we at least agree that it would be useful for Carson to have experience directing projects at large scale? Even Trump claimed that mantle for himself as relevant experience to serve as POTUS ("I build big buildings around the world") . Even Rex Tillerson can claim the same to justify his appointment to Secretary of State ("I ran ExxonMobil. It's a global corporation. I have to cut deals with governments around the world"). Carson's having "perspective" or life experience living in poverty isn't enough to the growth challenges that America faces with its cities.
5
How does being completely unqualified to do a job for it in with your perspective? would Carson let Trump to heart surgery on him.
So career civil servants who do their job in a manner that carries out both Federal laws and regulations now have to explain this to a rank amateur? He's an amateur who has no experience governing, no experience nor job with any managing of a multi-million dollar budget, no executive experience, no knowledge of the scope of the work that HUD does. I can think of nothing positive he brings to the job. Most of Trump's other picks have at least one thing going for them. Mostly executive experiences.
Back in the 60s I, a white student, knew a black engineer named John. We used to tease him that he was a professional integrator. John was very good looking, well educated, and always extremely well dressed. He was soft spoken (not an "angry black man") and spoke in a way that did not sound black. The theory was that there was absolutely no reason other than race for anyone to object to him. He even had a beautiful wife and two very photogenic children. Once the racists got to know John, the theory was, they would be more willing to accept other black people. I'm not sure if it worked, as I left the area after graduation. But John believed it would, and I think there's a good chance he was right.
13
This is 60's talk reported. For god sake, cant you understand this.
11
I'm not so sure that Catdancer sounds at all racist.
I am completely sure that accusing someone of "sounding" racist is an excellent way to stop most conversations about race.
I am completely sure that accusing someone of "sounding" racist is an excellent way to stop most conversations about race.
18
This is not a racist statement. It actually makes a lot of sense. By putting whites in a position to judge ENTIRELY based on skin color, it reveals true racism. John had all the characteristics of a "white" man except skin tone.
17
An unintended consequence of the constant focus on the race and gender of appointees makes it far more likely that everyone will identify any appointees who are not in the majority as tokens, even if those appointees are in fact not selected based on their race or gender.
Also is it clear that Ben Carson is a token? Carson supported Trump and Trump very clearly rewards his loyal supporters. It's not clear to me that he wouldn't have been appointed to a cabinet position, or some other prominent position, even if he were an old, white male. I understand he's not well suited for the role but, in that respect, he's in the majority of Trump's appointees.
Also is it clear that Ben Carson is a token? Carson supported Trump and Trump very clearly rewards his loyal supporters. It's not clear to me that he wouldn't have been appointed to a cabinet position, or some other prominent position, even if he were an old, white male. I understand he's not well suited for the role but, in that respect, he's in the majority of Trump's appointees.
38
Dr Carson is well suited for this role: he grew up in poverty with a single uneducated mom raising him
1
Thank you for the beautifully written article, Mr. Howard. And to add my $0.02, I think this sentiment is probably pretty evocative for many minorities. When I applied to college, a (white) classmate and I applied to the same school - I got in and attended, she didn't. It was implied to me by others that perhaps my minority status was what edged my application over hers.
Obviously, I have no idea if that was the case or not (I certainly hope not, as I was certainly qualified enough to successfully graduate from said college), but the fact is that when somebody plants that idea, it's hard to not go down the mental rabbithole of: Do I deserve this, did I truly earn it? How can I prove to myself, and to others, that I attained this through my own capabilities and not because I happen to fit in an intersection that lets an institution check off multiple boxes on the "diversity" list?
And once I'm there on the inside, what is my duty to my group identity vs. my individual self? Is it irresponsible for me to use a limited opportunity to further my own goals and ignore how I might impact perception of people like me?
These are rhetorical and personal questions, of course, which don't invite a general catch-all answer. But I imagine many minorities have dealt with similar self-questioning when they're aware that they're "unlike" everybody else in a larger group.
Obviously, I have no idea if that was the case or not (I certainly hope not, as I was certainly qualified enough to successfully graduate from said college), but the fact is that when somebody plants that idea, it's hard to not go down the mental rabbithole of: Do I deserve this, did I truly earn it? How can I prove to myself, and to others, that I attained this through my own capabilities and not because I happen to fit in an intersection that lets an institution check off multiple boxes on the "diversity" list?
And once I'm there on the inside, what is my duty to my group identity vs. my individual self? Is it irresponsible for me to use a limited opportunity to further my own goals and ignore how I might impact perception of people like me?
These are rhetorical and personal questions, of course, which don't invite a general catch-all answer. But I imagine many minorities have dealt with similar self-questioning when they're aware that they're "unlike" everybody else in a larger group.
57
Let me add to your comment. I'm the parent whose child attended an Ivy League graduate school. This institution offered her a full scholarship and small stipend for three years.Now, the scholarship she was given was awarded to five students every year with the highest undergraduate gpa, totally merit-based. Yet, her mere presence on this campus implied (and occasionally spoken out loud) that she, and, by definition, all black and brown students were there because of affirmative action. This, she had to endure for three years. Imagine the effect on her psychic. Perhaps we need new paradigms to teach our children about their place in these settings. They are there because they're earned it. By the way, my daughter rejected my advice to use the best expletives she could think of when confronted with these statements, implied or spoken.
46
The simplest way to know if you attained this through your own capabilities and not because of Affirmative Action and quotas is to compare your GPA and SAT or ACT scores to others or just to the classmate who did not get in.
17
@ OColeman
But Affirmative Action, by definition, means that some students will be there solely because of their race and not because they "earned it".
Whether or not a person supports Affirmative Action does not change this fact.
But Affirmative Action, by definition, means that some students will be there solely because of their race and not because they "earned it".
Whether or not a person supports Affirmative Action does not change this fact.
13
"How can you tell the difference between a new employer who is making earnest steps toward diversity and one who is just trying to cover himself?"
You can't -- because the underlying action (hiring someone on the basis of the color of their skin or other protected characteristic) is the same in both cases. If you are hired by an employer who is "making earnest steps toward diversity" rather than hired by an employer who is looking for the best candidate for the job, you are, by definition, a token.
You can't -- because the underlying action (hiring someone on the basis of the color of their skin or other protected characteristic) is the same in both cases. If you are hired by an employer who is "making earnest steps toward diversity" rather than hired by an employer who is looking for the best candidate for the job, you are, by definition, a token.
34
I disagree. You are not a token when you are both. Having a diverse slate of candidates is expected at many major corporations. Managers may be measured on making hiring decisions that result in a diverse workforce. However, once in the door, if diverse employees determine they are tokens they will not stay. High turnover of diverse employees is a red flag and word spreads fast among professionals to avoid companies where they are treated as tokens.
3
Jersey Mom - There are several problems with your contention. You don't seem to realize that a commitment to diversity means that candidates aren't screened out of being considered for employment from the very beginning simply because of their race or sex. Studies have shown that resumes with names that sound "black" are ignored while identical resumes with white-sounding names get considered. The same thing is also known to happen when the name is female rather than male. The automatic assumption is that the "best candidate" is white and male, something with which you seem to agree. At some levels of employment--high-level management and executive jobs--a commitment to diversity means looking beyond a narrow group whose very credentials for the job include being male or white or both. Another problem you ignore is that when making hiring decisions, one is frequently in the position of having several candidates who are equally qualified. We then often make our choice based on our biases or personal preferences. A commitment to diversity can help us get beyond a belief that "this" person should be hired because he'll fit in just right with the existing group. Similarly, it can open up our thinking to acknowledge that "best" can have more than one meaning. Does a woman or someone from a different ethnic group bring something to the job that more than makes up for the fact that they don't have exactly the same set of credentials as those who fit the usual pattern?
What if their are no qualified black applicants, then what? For Medical School admissions, admitted black students have significantly lower MCAT and GPA's, compared to white and Asian applicants. They still get in to keep people like you from suing. And now you are saying that this is wrong? What is the solution then?
22
Solution: A firm, unwavering, massive national commitment to providing a QUALITY primary and secondary education to the nation's former slaves, in a results based way (that is, we are not done until the mission is accomplished), not in a "token" way (well we tried made a weak try for a couple years and it didn't work, so forget about it).
We could call this campaign: reparations.
We could call this campaign: reparations.
13
And yet we don't provide this to disadvantaged children of ANY race. It really needs to be given to all, or you're exchanging one form of racism for another.
20
First, it is rarely the case that there are no qualified black applicants. Second, there is no study to indicate that blacks admitted to medical school with lower MCAT scores and GPA's make for less qualified physicians. Nor is there any study that shows that medical school students with sterling MCAT scores and GPA's make for the best physicians.
31
Dr. Carson will perhaps have a few tricks up his sleeve that will bring us the best durn Department of Housing and Urban Development we could possibly dream of. Consider his special knowledge of ancient Egypt: ""My own personal theory is that Joseph built the pyramids to store grain. Now all the archeologists think that they were made for the pharaohs' graves. But, you know, it would have to be something awfully big if you stop and think about it. And I don't think it'd just disappear over the course of time to store that much grain. When you look at the way that the pyramids are made, with many chambers that are hermetically sealed, they'd have to be that way for various reasons." Brilliant brain surgeon, undeniably. Illiterate crackpot, absolutely. Never mind the color of his skin.
109
While you can't prove that you belong, you can prove that you deserve the job by doing it well. When this happens, people have no choice but to acknowledge you as an incredibly qualified person who happens to be black.
Like every social problem, the answer is time. Each generation, as a whole, is a little more tolerant than the previous.
Like every social problem, the answer is time. Each generation, as a whole, is a little more tolerant than the previous.
22
But some social problems seem to require a much longer time than others. That's when some intervention is necessary. As MLK said, "justice too long delayed, is justice denied."
24
President Obama showed that he was certainly qualified to be president, yet there are many who refused to acknowledge him as their president and attempted to obstruct every move he made. Trump's ascendancy to the presidency is little more than a backlash to having a black man in the Oval Office for 8 years. I'm afraid the answer is decidedly NOT time.
49
I am over 60 years of age and have watched racial preference in hiring in Fotune 500 companies for over 40 years, with progress having been made, yet I understand why people just want a level playing field in this day and age
1
"Carson wouldn’t take a cabinet position, because he had no governing experience."
Please explain to me why he thought he could be President without governing experience. That shows that he has the same level of hubris as our President-elect.
Please explain to me why he thought he could be President without governing experience. That shows that he has the same level of hubris as our President-elect.
115
He never thought he could be President. He thought he could sell more books.
28
In the 1960's their was a book called the " The Spook Who Sat By The Door " . It is still relavent. Take the job ,get in and turn the place inside out. To expose the core corruption may result in change.
4
That's a very romantic notion of tokenism. Most people are not trying to turn places "inside out"; rather, their ambitions are much smaller and a lot more self-centered.
6
yes, but...Mr Bannon and other advisors seem to have done a lot of whispering in a willing ear about how to turn the US government inside out. Get them in the door and see the chaos ensue...
1
Given that so many of Trump's white cabinet picks have little to know experience or obvious qualifications for the posts they are offered, why is Ben Carson a token? Is Rick Perry, another failed presidential candidate, a token? Of course, Trump’s cabinet will have few African-Americans; how many prominent African-Americans have any respect for Trump?
32
Those of us old enough to remember the Reagan Administration also remember that his Secretary of Housing and Urban Development was Sam Pierce--and that Pierce's presence in Reagan's cabinet was so forgettable that the president had to be prompted to call on him in meetings, and reminded of his name, too.
The administration knew it had to include at least one black member. And who knew more about urban development than a black man--even if he came from Long Island, grew up in a middle-class family, became an Eagle Scout, attended an Ivy League University and was a successful lawyer, as Pierce was?
Are we surprised that a woman is Trump's choice for Education? Teachers are women, right? Who would know more about education?
Now they are looking for a Hispanic ag secretary. I'm forced to assume it's because they believe no one knows more about working in the field than a brown man. I can't wait to see who they come up with.
The administration knew it had to include at least one black member. And who knew more about urban development than a black man--even if he came from Long Island, grew up in a middle-class family, became an Eagle Scout, attended an Ivy League University and was a successful lawyer, as Pierce was?
Are we surprised that a woman is Trump's choice for Education? Teachers are women, right? Who would know more about education?
Now they are looking for a Hispanic ag secretary. I'm forced to assume it's because they believe no one knows more about working in the field than a brown man. I can't wait to see who they come up with.
131
It's a return of the world we thought we'd gotten rid of, or, at least changed somewhat during the last 8 years.
1
I'm guessing Rubio and Cruz already turned him down.
3
A good column, Mr. Howard, and a sad one, especially when I think about what Ben Carson has come to. One wonders why he let himself be used like this. He has nothing to prove at this point.
62
Perhaps his gifted hands will be needed to do some brain-surgery in The White House?
28
About 60 million Americans believe that most of Trump's cabinet picks are white, male AND unqualified. To say nothing of being in many cases grotesquely wealthy denizens of the swamp he pledged to drain. When will the other 60 million catch on?
84
I'm guessing they won't or if they do, they'll point fingers at the democrats rather than take responsibility for their mistake!
15
It is not my fault that those company are stereotypical and possessed tenaciously these poisonous ideas about me and other Saudi. I want to be hired as a qualified engineer not because I'm holding the Citizen ID. I'm not supernatural employee and devoid from pitfalls and common mistakes, but I could serve perfectly - deliver my work systematically. Yet, the misconception still stand steady; inside the company, they mostly throw responsibilities on the non-Saudis instead of Saudis. It is not my guilt I don't have a blond hair. How could I convince my employer that I can increase your profit while they still have the idea that "we hired you, because you are Saudi". It devastated me, it broke me apart - it caused me an emotional pain. I profoundly hate to be a token - to maintain a special privilege over others.