Had a civil but illuminating conversation this morning with someone who predictably thought that affirmative action (and the work I do) means that we get less qualified candidates and leaders. Even with the best of intentions though, it’s the kind of statement that can only be borne of privilege—and not just gender and racial privilege, but class and the ability to assimilate too. So I’ve been thinking a lot about privilege and legitimacy (well, more than usual) and this just embodies those frustrations so well.
The problem for me is always how to move forward from this point. You can ask the hard questions and point out the hypocrisy, but angry and underprivileged isn’t very marketable. Not to those with the purchasing power.
