We all love money. See any of my previous articles on fixing problems to find my musings point to the fact that money is important for a happy and healthy society (Note, this is still a touchy subject and I’m not totally serious that money fixes everything. If you take that literally, you are the problem).

The next question is; how genuine is it now, with everyone coming out of the woodwork and bending over backwards to support minority businesses?

The founder of Reddit has resigned from his board seat and has requested a person of color fill it. On the outset, you could argue that this reeks of reverse racism in a way. Does the fact that someone of color deserve a place on a board, deserve someone’s business and money, purely based on their color?

You could argue that it’s been done all the time for white people, and it’s done for minority advantages sometimes as well. What’s wrong with getting a perspective that’s different from a majority?

But we also ask ourselves if it’s necessarily fair-to be sure it’s not-and if it’s an actual change. Because if you look at fairness, it is not fair. It’s not fair to someone who’s worked their hardest to get into a position and sought out the best in order to be denied because they’re white. OR black. But it happens every day in the traditional roles. Giving a taste of their own medicine is being no better than the problem in the first place. Being better requires true change.

Is it pandering to the minority community to hire someone just because you have victimization and guilt issues? That’s an easy question, but I guess the real issue is the root of the question. Are you buying something from someone because it’s the best quality and letting everyone know that this product is good AND they’re a minority-then this is a great way to advertise. But saying that people should buy something purely because they’re buying from a minority is bullshit. That’s not being better. That’s still calling attention to the issue, regardless if it’s positive or negative.

You should buy something because it’s something you want to buy, something you’re interested in, and something that exemplifies you. If it happens to be from a minority owned business, then that’s great as well. If it isn’t, then don’t let the guilt make you feel any different. Calling attention to minority owned businesses now if you haven’t before or haven’t considered the nature should not be an issue. Businesses are what they are, regardless of who is behind the business and to say that they’re all of a sudden important or more important than they were completely disregards the fact that they were trying hard to earn business before that point.

I am a minority. I own businesses. I do what it takes to earn business and I’m proud of what I do to do it. I don’t need more attention because I’m a minority. My race does not define me, my work does. So don’t include me on any lists, unless I deserve it.   

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/05/tech/alexis-ohanian-reddit/index.html