Maybe the Secret Service Isn't a Vehicle for Female Empowerment
Perhaps
In theory, diversity sounds like a noble goal.
Here’s the thinking, if you want to call it that: “Gee, this institution is made up of all white men. Maybe it’s time to give somebody else a chance. How about some women? They’re people too, y’know!”
Most folks hear this sort of thing and just shrug. “Yeah, okay.” And then they go back to their day, because it’s boring. Who cares, right? And you wouldn’t want anybody to think you’re a sexist.
This push for diversity is fine when the manager at your local Starbucks is hiring. I’m not so sure it’s such a great idea for, say, the United States Secret Service.
Here’s a slick promotional video the agency released last year:
Yaaaaaaaas kween! Girlbosses are getting it done! Struttin’ down a hallway in slo-mo. Liftin’ weights in slo-mo. Everything’s cooler in slo-mo.
“Being a part of history is probably the best part of this job.” Well, you’re definitely part of history now. How does it feel?
So that promo was great for public relations. The press loved it. Big win for the agency.
Fast-forward to July 13. Butler, Pennsylvania. What does this push for diversity look like in practice?
It looks like this: