[NCSG-Discuss] On Diversity and Discrimination

[Carl Smith]

Thanks Andrew,

Yes the power to regulate those who have an agenda which excludes 
members of a more diverse outlook is not only intolerable but counter 
productive.  The diverse interaction of peoples of different experience 
weather racial, national or gender is often time more productive as the 
view is better represented.  However, as a group of consensuses, we must 
endeavor with good conscience to represent the ideals which safeguard 
the widest personal liberty as not to suppress progress.  I've somewhat 
gotten to know the individuals in this group.  We may never find the 
perfect blend.  I for one do not wish to oppress the interaction of the 
individuals in this group as diverse thought widens the understanding.

Respectfully,

Lou

On 1/31/2013 7:04 PM, Andrew A. Adams wrote:
> When creating a small sized group with governance authority (direct or as in
> the case of many ICANN bodies indirectly through recommendations to the
> Board, most of which are accepted) it is important to remember that the goal
> should be to create the best group for the purpose, not simply to gather a
> set of the best individuals. In particular due to various institutional
> settings which produce a surfeit of straight white males from developed
> countries with the knowledge, skills and political connections if one simply
> choose the top n individuals on personal merit from a filtered pool of
> available candidates, then the likely outcome is non-representative
> (dominated by or even entirely made up of SWMs from developed countries).
> Such a group does not have the breadth of experience which would make a good
> governance body. Hence ICANN and many other groups have mechanisms to provide
> for diversity in the selection of members of governing groups which provide
> the group as a whole with a better range of experiences on which to draw,
> improving the quality of the work of that group as well as its apparent
> legitimacy to those affected by its activity. This is not about tokenism or
> discrimination against a majority, but is all about favouring a global
> maximum of group talent instead of a combination of local maxima of
> individual talent.
>
> (For the record, I'm a straight, white male citizen of one developed country
> and resident of another.)
>
>
>