Hiring Preferences (was "Programming partnership wanted")

[Sasha Pachev]

 > I don't see how saying "I prefer to work with Mormons" is equal to "I
 > have a policy of refusing to hire people who are not Mormon."

Sean - good points. I agree with what you say. I remember the time back in 1991 
when I first learn the term "affirmative action" - I asked my American friend in 
total disbelief if the US government indeed told you who many blacks you should 
hire.

An employer should be able to hire whoever he wants. If he does not hire you 
because you are a member of some underprivileged group, well, if you are good, 
start your own business and be his competition. If you are not good in that 
area, work to get better, or choose the area where you are better. Different 
groups of people are talented in different areas. Sometimes, in a very 
politically incorrect fashion, things like race, or gender happen to be a good 
predictor of performance. For example, when moving furniture, a team of randomly 
selected men performs better than a team of randomly selected women. The tables 
are turned when it comes to taking care of children.

A Kenyan has a higher chance of being a good distance runner than an American. A 
Russian has a higher chance of being a better chess player. An African American 
has a higher chance of being a better basketball player. While there are a lot 
exceptions, statistically, there is a trend, and when dealing with large 
numbers, statistics is what matters. Different groups have different talents, 
and that is just fine. However, if you have a talent that is unusual for your 
group, prove it, and you will only earn respect.

-- 
Sasha Pachev
AskSasha Linux Consulting
http://www.asksasha.com