To think self-identifying as disabled or as black/Asian is offensive?

[HoundsOfHove]

Applying for a job. It says this in the wording -
"We particularly encourage applications from those who self-identify as black, Asian, minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/ or disabled."

No problem with that obviously, but why not say people who are the above?

Otherwise couldn't I self-identify as disabled? And that's wrong, because I'm not. And hugely offensive to people who aren't able-bodied! And if I self-identify then they just have to take my word for it? Or is it just the new way of phrasing things?

No, you can’t self identify as asian in that scenario.

Blair I know, I am one of the people who does, on occasion, have to 'self identify' as disabled... so I would be talking over myself.

But my points still stand, that is an appallingly badly written advert. If that is standard text for jobs these days I despair! There is no excuse for such slipshod, nonsensical wording.

More... there should be no need to say any of that out loud anyway! It is complete bollocks, from poorly written start to finish!

Your email is far more appalling. The job thing is fine.

I think actively seeking employees who are black etc negates any good they were trying to achieve.
It’s like saying, ‘I’d really love a black friend to prove I’m nit racist, so I’m going to put today and find a friend based solely on their black skin’ or ‘I want a friend in a wheel chair with Downs to prove I’m a really nice guy’ and hanging joining groups to actively find one.

It should be about pure equality and these people being employed because of their abilities, only. What is the world coming to

Curious but all the advert is stating is that they are an inclusive employer. Did it really warrant that response?!

Is it? Then I need to find another planet to live on!

One where people are people and 'self identity' is eradicated in favour of common sense!

@butterflysugarbaby
RTFT

@PinguDance without me getting miffed (at others in RL, not you!), suffice to say issues over desk set up, which base to work from, hours worked, even down to interaction methods with colleagues which may not suit the colleagues. It's a dark time frankly, and those genuinely inhibited are finding it hard to swallow, me included. No one is belittling those cases where the need is there. Proof is not always required at my workplace, depending on the strength of character of the applicant to the reasonable adjustments... Do you see what I'm alluding to? It's maddening!

@curiousaboutsamphire ... well you’re getting a patronising slow clap from over here. There’s a lot of interesting writing, especially about ‘passing’ that you could look Up if this topic actually interested you.

Popchyk, you clearly have not a tiny fucking clue how hard it is to get blue badge or benefits as a disabled person.

Don't use disabled and BME identification as a gotcha for your agenda of shoehorning in sex offenders to every discussion that mentions trans gender people.

cucumbergin If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of disadvantages would a white passing mixed race person have?...I’m thinking of my own toddler DS here.

I self-identify as lesbian. Do I have to shag a doctor to qualify as officially-identifying as a lesbian?

@missisgenehunt - ah, I can see where you’re coming from Better now.

This is nothing to do with trans issues though.

Nike 😂

Well no matter how much you self-identify as disabled at work, they will not offer any reasonable adjustments until you provide the medical proof

That's not true. I haven't had to provide any evidence to get my reasonable adjustments. And neither has anyone else I know!

Nike depends what sex the doctor is 😉

With regards to this particular advert you can self ID as whatever you want. Is it immoral to identify as something you are not? Completely! Will it help you get this post? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Look up the difference between Positive Action and Positive Discrimination. This is a completely legal (and in my mind commendable) example of Positive Action. The employer wants to encourage diversity within their business and let people from those groups know they are welcome.

However this does not mean that your background will help or hinder you in your application. Equality monitoring questions ARE NOT considered in the hiring process. They are there to help business track how inclusive they are or are not. If someone used the equality information provided by a candidate to decide on who to hire it is discrimination and it is illegal. It doesn’t matter if it’s done for a “positive” reason.
You are over complicating this and making it about something it most certainly is not. They are just TRYING to be inclusive.

Plus whether an illness or impairment means you are disabled is somewhat subjective!

Pingu I'll take the slow hand clap.... but the whole concept of 'passing' is just another stick that society has invented with which to beat itself.

Identity politics, no matter which cohort uses it, is a ridiculous, dehumanising concept, imo. Others are welcome to disagree, but, pigeonholing people into smaller and smaller boxes, is not my idea of equality or freedom! It only increases stigmatising of anyone who refuses, or cannot, conform to any of the acceptable 'forms'

One of my relatives is white passing. Looks totally white. His name is not, but he uses a nickname and many people who did not know him as a child, think that is his name he was born with. Except when he is with his family, he is treated as white in every way. Even his surname is one that is "foreign" sounding, but not necessarily a black one.

One where people are people and 'self identity' is eradicated in favour of common sense!

People are people, and some of us need a little extra help in a very unfair world. Sorry you're so butthurt about the possibility of disabled people or minorities having any assistance at all.