I sure hope this does not get me into trouble again, but I must admit that when I see an ad for a position at an institution with some kind of focus on Africa, African-American music, art, culture, history, etc., I simply assume they are looking for African-American candidates and that I as an Anglo, would not be considered for the position. Therefore, I do not apply. Is this such an outlandish assumption? ------ Robert Handy Brazoria County Historical Museum 100 East Cedar Angleton, Texas 77515 (409) 864-1208 museum_bob [log in to unmask] http://www.bchm.org ---------- From: Gary Crockett and Jenny Olman[SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 1998 9:37 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: civility or side stepping equity <<File: ATT00006.html>> Thankyou David Harvey. Of course this is a far more relevant issue for discussion. If the larger issues of affirmative action had been raised, as some of the commentary has suggested might be behind Mr. Herrings comments, then that would be a legitimate "issue" for discussion on the list. The delight in vilifying Herring and, as such, side stepping this considerably more pressing issue seems to imply that the idea of supportive bias or preferential treatment in the interests of equity, access and inclusion holds little favour in the cultural sector. How long can we delude ourselves that the playing field is level? In our institution, under government support, applicants with specific cultural backgrounds are openly sought for certain positions. Gary Crockett Curator Hyde Park Barracks Museum Sydney Australia [log in to unmask] website www.hht.nsw.gov.au