Progress needs an open door [keep barf bag handy]

The Boston Globe ^ | May 23, 2008 | Globe Staff

[Disturbin]

IT'S WELL KNOWN that innovation is the lifeblood of the Massachusetts economy. At every period of stagnation or decline over the past 400 years, someone's bright ideas have turned the tide. Too little valued, however, is the central role played by minorities and women in helping Massachusetts thrive. This morning, the state's political, business, and civic leaders will spotlight the contribution of a diverse workforce to the region's success, and challenge each other to do more. Much more.

A 2006 report by the Boston History and Innovation Collaborative found that of 64 game-changing innovations in Massachusetts - from wiping out smallpox to the invention of the mini-computer - fully a third featured a woman, immigrant, or African-American in a leading role. And yet an important survey by the University of Massachusetts at Boston last year found that among Globe 100 companies - the cream of the region's corporate sector - just a tiny fraction of board members (5 percent) were people of color.

Women had more seats at the table (13 percent), but since women are 52 percent of the population, that hardly seems like progress. And it's not just the business world; higher education, hospitals, and nonprofit institutions are also lagging. All at a time when the state's complexion is changing rapidly but growth is stagnant.

It is common to speak of the Boston area's poor image as a welcoming place for people of color. But the hard numbers in the UMass survey suggest this is not just a public-relations challenge. "The reputation is underpinned by a stubborn reality," says Stephen Crosby, dean of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at UMass-Boston.

[Disturbin]

"Employers who sign the compact commit to specific diversity goals for hiring, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the wider community. More than 100 organizations and companies have signed on."

Accepted quotas for so-called minority groups: there's your "progress."

[massgopguy]

“NO STRAIGHT WHITE MEN NEED APPLY”

[WayneS]

What about the GAYS?

[MNJohnnie]

Too little valued, however, is the central role played by minorities and women i

Actually most of the innovation from Massachusetts over the last 400 years was the product of white males. Women and minorities contributed to it but were not anywhere a "central role" In the same fashion that it is wrong to white wash any parts of our history, it is also wrong to exaggerate anyone's part in it.

[Disturbin]

“What about the GAYS?”

LOL, I was checking out job opportunities at TJX and I discovered this rubbish:

http://www.tjx.com/employment/life_diversity.html

[WayneS]

Yes.

We must all learn to Divert Embracity.