General Discussion

dsc

(52,166 posts) Fri Jan 4, 2013, 03:04 PM Jan 2013

So is diversity important or is it not important (a tale of two threads)

I posted a thread asking if we were ready for an open LGBT cabinet member, the results were decidedly mixed

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022127912

Another thread was posted celebrating the record number of women in the House.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2124366

Pretty much not one negative post. No posts asking why it is important to have women in Congress.

I would love an explanation for this difference that didn't involve either rampant hypocrisy or homophobia but I don't see one.

5 replies

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So is diversity important or is it not important (a tale of two threads) (Original Post) dsc Jan 2013 OP

If a person is the best for the job what does it matter if they are openly gay or not? dkf Jan 2013 #1

so what is your opinon of the celebration of gender diversity. dsc Jan 2013 #2

Honestly I care more about competence. dkf Jan 2013 #4

I think your OP kind of derailed itself by naming some specific candidates and also by asking bettyellen Jan 2013 #3

We are absolutely ready for an LGBT cabinet member gollygee Jan 2013 #5

dkf

(37,305 posts)

1. If a person is the best for the job what does it matter if they are openly gay or not?

Reply to dsc (Original post)

Fri Jan 4, 2013, 03:33 PM

Jan 2013

But I don't really like choosing people for the sole purpose of touting some characteristic whether it be race, sex, preference, religion....

dsc

(52,166 posts)

2. so what is your opinon of the celebration of gender diversity.

Reply to dkf (Reply #1)

Fri Jan 4, 2013, 05:17 PM

Jan 2013

dkf

(37,305 posts)

4. Honestly I care more about competence.

Reply to dsc (Reply #2)

Fri Jan 4, 2013, 05:43 PM

Jan 2013

I do not celebrate Michele Bachman or Sarah Palin.

On the other hand a largely male dominated congress seems pretty darned incompetent.

bettyellen

(47,209 posts)

3. I think your OP kind of derailed itself by naming some specific candidates and also by asking

Reply to dsc (Original post)

Fri Jan 4, 2013, 05:37 PM

Jan 2013

if America is ready for out LGBT candidates, which is kind of a different question entirely. People on that thread were mostly commenting on the viability of particular candidates named. One or two were educated as to why being out in a position of peer matters. A good thing, no doubt.

Really, if anyone asks me if America is ready for a woman president, I'd have to say no. I don't agree with this at all, but I'm basing it on how badly the media (and people here) viewed both Clinton and Palin through a very sexist lens. I think it's going to take an extraordinary candidate to break that ceiling. My sense is we are not there yet.

And the thread on women had no negatives simply because it was celebrating an accomplishment, not competing with LGBT for acceptance. When we see some significant accomplishments in putting numbers of LGBTs in office, DU will undoubtably celebrate that as well. I hope you have no doubts about that.

Lately on DU, we are finally able to heartily celebrate gay marriages and rejoice the "norms" are changing. In time we hope to see more diversity in our govt as well.

gollygee

(22,336 posts)

5. We are absolutely ready for an LGBT cabinet member

Reply to dsc (Original post)

Fri Jan 4, 2013, 05:44 PM

Jan 2013

and I would be very happy to see one. Our leadership is stronger the more diverse it is - the more it looks like the country as a whole.

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