Well hello, thanks for rocking up and joining the conversation. You're correct in your summation, I tend to take a backdoor commentary position on a lot of things - and this is one such article.

I don't think you're wrong in pointing out your bias analogy, I just don't think the solution to bias is changing the outcome of the race, it's about noticing the unfairness of the race and either training people to overcome the unfairness or working with the race organisers to ensure the unfairness is mitigated against.

The problem with selecting the outcome you want via equality is that you have to fiddle the figures to do it. Or you have to widen the podium as you've put it. You can point out the race is unfair.... as people have been doing for years. You cannot rush the process along by changing the results of the race because it doesn't a) change the rules of the race in the long run, it hides the problem and b) it punishes the racers not the race organisers. The racers will eventually stop - because even though they've worked hard, they're still being edged off the podium in a process they think is fair.

I don't think there's an easy solution - I do think equality of outcome creates a two-tier system that will a) slow down the process of equity and b) disempower minority groups in the long run by the creation of what could be considered sub-standard race running or creative work let through on a nod and a wink by well meaning (but misguided) white liberals.

Thanks for coming along and joining the convo, tis much appreciated. :o)