Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"You can be progressive and diverse, in jobs that don't matter. Hollywood is meaningless, so you can make every superhero a black Muslim trans person if you want, because it means that there's no stakes." — Schulte
"The logic is sound. The reason why I disagree, it's like you put someone, you can't attack in a role that can also sound up because now if you come at this person and say anything having to do with their gender or anything like that, you're not focusing on the issues." — Alex
"This is brilliant. To another thing you said, yeah, keep giving you credit, even though you're moving us fucking from here." — Mark
The episode segment begins with a discussion about a recent appointment of a health secretary who is a transgender individual. The speakers explore the public's reaction, with some viewing it as a progressive move and others as an overcorrection in diversity. A central argument is made that while diversity is commendable in less critical fields like entertainment, its application in vital sectors such as public health, especially during a pandemic, necessitates a rigorous focus on qualifications and merit. The potential for such appointments to be perceived as performative or politically motivated, rather than based solely on expertise, is a key point of contention.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the effectiveness and perception of merit versus diversity in high-stakes roles. The speakers debate whether focusing on an individual's identity in critical positions might inadvertently shield them from necessary scrutiny on their performance, particularly if the role is crucial for public safety. The conversation touches on how this dynamic might play out in public discourse, with concerns raised about the potential for backlash or the inability to address performance issues due to fears of being labeled as discriminatory.
Further into the segment, the conversation broadens to consider how diversity plays out in different cultural contexts, contrasting American approaches with those in the UK and Canada. The speakers ponder whether the emphasis on proving progressiveness in the US is unique and how different national identities and histories might influence the reception of diversity initiatives. The episode concludes by reiterating the value of genuine merit in any appointment, regardless of identity, and the desire for such appointments to be recognized for talent rather than solely for their progressive implications.