This "pro women" thing?

Luckygirl thank you for an interesting and very informative post, which seems to back up my HR " box ticking" theory.

Well, what a relief!

So far it seems to be that we all are in agreement that it should be the best person who gets the job or award!

Which is as it should be, surely.

I have some experience of this "positive discrimination" in relation to musical projects. It is somewhat problematical in that sphere as it is not necessarily the musician most suited to that project who is selected. It also strongly influences Arts Council grant funding - you have to ensure a gender/ethnic mix in a project and this does not necessarily work create the best artistic outcome - e.g. inappropriate instrumentalists selected not because of the musical mix, but on non-discrimination grounds.

I do understand that exclusion on the grounds of ethnicity/gender should never happen, and hopefully things are moving towards selection on the grounds of skill and suitability, which is entirely as it should be.

With reference to the OP, it would indeed be great if a woman won best director and we would no doubt all raise a cheer - but not at the expense of choice by merit.

It is very, very annoying to work hard, excel in your field, get a promotion and then have the muttering behind your back ‘Of course she only got it because......”

I only ever wanted to get the job because I was the best of the bunch?

I agree with you, pheonix.

I agree it should be the best person for the job.

I don't see the problem in someone wishing the best for someone who is disadvantaged, by their sex, disability and so forth.

I don't mind a short period of time where positive discrimination is used to give disadvantaged people experience so that a class of people they can join those best suited to a job.

Phoenix, another in complete agreement.

As for Womens Hour....... stopped listening ages ago, it is now so dreary and boring, a perfect solution to mid morning insomnia.

Thanks to all who have posted, your responses are appreciated!

It is very rare for me to post something along these lines, usually stick to the "fluffy" stuff!

Phoenix great to hear someone say what I've been muttering to myself and the dog for ages. All this blinking box ticking you can see it on TV all the time, and another thing Women's Hour is beginning to get on my wick, nerves, doing my head in.

Yes I agree with you, man or woman, whoever is best for the job. end of.

Where did you get your tin helmet from? I am behind the sofa as we speak. You post the cats, I will post about dogs.

Nah don't worry Phoenix I agree, at least as far as awards are concerned. However, it seems to be harder for women to get backing to produce and/or direct films so they have less chance of winning. Give them equal opportunities in producing/directing then see whose films are best in a truly equal competition.