Diversity Thursday

They do write themselves sometimes.

Pass the popcorn - it is another schadenfreude DivThu as we bask in the open contradictions, fraud, lies, and otherwise sillyness of this whole Diveristy Industry.

First - when you don't have real problems ... try to invent them. After all, if your paycheck, ego, or insecurity-feeding requires sectarianism and division - you have to fake it till you make it.

First ... USNA!

From: "ENCM (SW) Chris [redacted]"
Date: May 14, 2012 10:05:10 AM EDT
To: [redacted]
Subject: Seriously Folks - This is Stereotyping

Good morning all,
The term "Indian Run" is used to describe the alternating sprint exercises at various levels here at the Academy, and it is widely used among the public.

I hope all can already see the problem with this, but let me be clear, this is a form of stereotyping. I also wanted to offer a broader perspective:

A SGT tells his soldiers that they will be doing Navy runs.
A soldier asks, what's a Navy run.

Another soldier responds, it's associated with the Navy, so it's going to be an easy day.

The soldier's curiosity about the Navy run probably goes beyond what it is. That simple question may also be seeking an answer to why another service is referenced, or seeking validation of what they may already suspect is something inappropriate.

To the broader point, look beyond the simple questions that may be asked by those under your charge. The simple question is often the tip of the iceberg; as with icebergs, its what's underneath that has sunk many ships. I am asking everyone to revisit practices that may have caused you to pause, so we can keep our ship afloat.
I'm also seeking input on an alternative name for these sprints.

V/R,
ENCM(SW) Christopher [redacted]
Equal Opportunity Advisor
US Naval Academy
410-293-[redacted]

Wow. Where do we start? When you actually research the phrase - no one knows where it comes from. Funny, one place that tries to figure it out puts a picture of a Indian-Indian, turban and all.

The fact that the don't know where its origin comes from but they assume it is bad, says a lot more about those who are "concerned" than anyone who uses it.

Let's see. It is physically challenging, demanding, requires exceptional physical condition and endurance to do an "Indian Run."

That's considered an insult? I checked with Elizabeth Warren - doesn't hurt her feelings. OK, if you are a "half-empty" mentality person or some fat-body, I guess you could say it is a mindlessly exhausting exercise whose only purpose seems to be to inflict pain and exhaustion on those doing it. Fine, call it a "SWO Run" then.

But wait ... we have ideas!

From: "ENCM (SW) Chris [redacted]"
Date: May 15, 2012 9:17:21 AM EDT
To: [redacted]
Subject: Alternatives to "Indian Runs"

Good morning all,
Given the overwhelming responses, and a continuous stream of emails this morning, I wanted to at least get this bit out. Here are some examples offered, and either works as a replacement to "Indian Runs":

Back to front sprints
Drafting sprints
In-line sprints
Leap frogs
Speed intervals
Squad sprints
Team sprints
Wind sprints

As of this post, I have received 52 emails in response. Several made attempts at establishing the term's origin; two cautioned against being overly sensitive; and one, who self reported as being of Native American decent, said he was always offended by the term, but didn't speak out because he just wanted to fit in.
We may not have the ability to remedy every concern that comes our way, but should be willing to address them. What the responses overwhelmingly show is that many of you are at least willing to consider things you might not have otherwise. Just one more facet of leadership.

V/R,
ENCM(SW) Christopher [redacted]
Equal Opportunity Advisor
US Naval Academy
410-293-[redacted]

- Back to front sprints: a kind of foreplay. No good - hostile work environment.
- Drafting sprints: NASCAR specific. No good - not inclusive.
- In-line sprints: grammatically awkward.
- Leap frogs: already used; and too much fun. Even I'm giggl'n with the thought of someone trying to yell, "Leap Frogs" at a bunch of MIDN. Confusing.
- Speed intervals: already used (if you have any athletic background you'd know that).
- Squad sprints: maybe, but confusing.
- Team sprints: ghey.
- Wind sprints: already taken.

So, confusing or ghey. Take your choice. I still like "SWO Runs."

Isn't there an open E-9 billet at sea somewhere we can send the good Master Chief - he is underemployed and I wouldn't wish that job on any Sailor.

BTW, thanks to the WIDE range of people who forwarded this to me. I've been laughing all week.

Second ... GOLF!

One glance at the team pictures of the men’s and women’s winners from last weekend’s PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship might make people rethink the term “minority.”
...
The men of Texas Pan-American and the women of Bethune-Cookman each won for the second time in the past three years. Neither school has an African-American on its roster. Half of Bethune-Cookman’s six golfers, in fact, are European.
...
Payton, who is NFL great’s Walter’s older brother, took over the golf program at Jackson State in 1985 and realized no HBCU school had been invited to play in the NCAA golf championships.
...
Payton pooled resources and influence with a few other African-American leaders to create the Minority Collegiate Golf Championship, which made its debut in 1987. Eight years later, Jackson State became the first HBCU to qualify for the NCAAs
...
The PGA was granted complete ownership and management of the event in 2006. The field was opened not only to HBCUs, but also to “Hispanic-serving institutions,” such as Texas Pan-American. As the disparity between non-minority and minority golfers competing at the tournament grew, officials created a men’s independent division and a women’s independent division specifically for minority individuals.
...
Renee Powell was the second black female to play on the LPGA Tour. Powell, 66, recalled twisting the arm of a sponsor in order to send golf equipment to three HBCUs. When she arrived at a tournament in which they were playing, Powell had a startling discovery.

“All of your golfers are white,” Powell told the coach.

...
Powell, who was raised in an era when it was exponentially tougher for women, let alone black women, to crack a college roster, is not particularly outraged that non-minorities are predominant on many HBCU golf teams.

“If you’re a young black golfer, you might decide you have to play a little harder,” Powell said. “After all, you can look at it this way: Those white girls are minorities at their school.”

Tied in to knots by their own internal contradictions. Then again - the entire Diversity Industry is built on a racial concept that went away over 40 years ago.

They shouldn't feel too bad - they should see who in the Navy claims to be "Hispanic."

All this sectarianism and division would continue to be funny if it was not such a cancer on our nation's soul.

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UPDATE: Yes, it can get better.

Date: Thu, May 17, 2012 at 9:36 AM
Subject: Alternatives to "Indian Runs"
To: All Officers at USNA complex , USNA-CPO

Good morning all,
It was brought to my attention this morning that the term "frog" was
used as a slur to refer to Franco-Americans. There is ample
information to support this concern. Under the list of alternatives I
offered for "Indian Runs", please strike from the list "Leap Frogs".
These emails are sent to Officers and Senior Enlisted, and does afford
an opportunity to learn from each other, so I appreciate the feedback
and will give each due consideration.

V/R,
ENCM(SW) Christopher XXXXXXXXXXX

Somewhere at Annapolis is a hero for freedom .... with a rack full of berets and baguettes.

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UPDATE II - Electric Boogaloo: As pointed out by an astute emailer; while we are at it - if you think about it; given this nation's history - are both "Master" and "Chief" problem words?