Title: Claiming Diversity on Job Applications as an Asian Looking Guy?
Hello,
I’ve been applying to internships and have seen a box for diversity. I was raised as Chinese but one side of my family immigrated to Peru 100+ years ago before going back to China (and then ultimately immigrating to the US).
Given Hispanic identity is based on origin and not race, do I have a claim to Hispanic? I speak alright Spanish and have a decent understanding of the culture. I feel like it’s advantageous in terms of diversity recruitment but am concerned people would have questions should they see my face (pretty Asian looking and you might be a little confused if I told you I was hispanic)
One response
Claiming Diversity on Job Applications as an Asian Looking Guy
Firstly, it’s important to understand the concept of diversity in the context of job applications. Diversity encompasses a wide range of attributes, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and more. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences in the workplace.
In your specific case, claiming diversity as a person of Chinese descent with familial ties to Peru raises some interesting questions. Hispanic identity is indeed based on origin, cultural ties, and language rather than solely on race. Given that one side of your family immigrated to Peru and you have a connection to the culture and language, you may indeed have a legitimate claim to Hispanic identity.
When filling out job applications that have a box for diversity, it would be important to consider whether your connection to the Hispanic culture adds a valuable perspective to the workplace. Having a diverse background can bring unique insights, experiences, and skills that may benefit the organization.
However, it’s also important to be authentic and genuine in claiming your diversity. If you feel that your connection to Hispanic culture is significant and meaningful, you can certainly indicate that on your job applications. It’s understandable that you may face questions or confusion due to your appearance not aligning with the typical perception of Hispanic identity, but diversity is about much more than just physical appearance.
Ultimately, the decision to claim diversity on job applications as an Asian-looking person with ties to Hispanic culture is a personal one. It’s important to balance the potential advantages of showcasing your diverse background with the need to be true to yourself and your experiences. Embracing and celebrating your unique heritage can be a strength in job applications and can contribute positively to workplace diversity initiatives.