What determines the qualifications for a job or career: education, natural abilities, experience, desire, interest, among other factors. Knowing what to do and how to do it would be most important.
Don’t we want our doctor to know how to operate, if we needed surgery? Proper and complete education and training is essential for any surgery, especially on our heart or brain. We want a bank clerk clerk to know what to do and how to do it.
Anytime we have to deal with people, it is good knowing they kept up with the latest procedures and new ways of keeping us healthy or our money was being properly cared for.
Keeping an open mind to improve performance should be a priority in any endeavor. ”My way or the highway” only works when the boss is more experienced and really knows his job. This is especially true in highly specialized functions. Education and learning are vitally important, as is experience.
So why is there so much emphasis on gender, race, nationality and religion, when an applicant for a job is being considered? Or for a candidate for public office? These are not qualifications. But all too often these seem to be the deciding factor. Too often we hear, “He or she is the first (fill in the blank) to be considered,” with little or nothing about experience.
When qualifications for any job are ignored in favor of political correctness or wokeness, there is a significant risk of having the wrong people chosen. It doesn’t matter what the job is or the position, we need truly qualified and competent people — not someone who meets the arbitrary standards and quotas set by the politically correct part of our society.
This has occurred in business, education and public service. Some people just are not suitable for some jobs. Everyone has strong points and weak points. They may interview well or campaign well, but are unable to do the job. Filling a job opening with a politically correct individual to meet a quota is not right.
Our natural abilities and interests, and how they are developed, determine the course of our lives. Gender, race, nationality and religion may influence how we live, but they don’t or shouldn’t be considered when looking for a job or seeking public office. Diversity should not be considered as a qualification for any job opening.
Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book. Call or text “Joe” with comments at 419-494-4641.
