At the Day Job, all the senior managers look like thumbs.
That is, they are white, middle-aged, tall(ish), and bald. Occasionally in the corporate photos, there’s a face that breaks the thumb-crowd: someone Maori, Asian, perhaps, or the odd woman. But mostly, it’s thumbs.
It’s weird working with so many thumbs. Not that I have anything against thumbs – they’re useful for gripping tools, and individually most are perfectly pleasant. But sometimes, it would be nice to have diversity: a pinky or an index finger, or perhaps a hand of a different color.
This was borne out to me forcibly the other week when my boss was promoted. (My boss is a half-thumb, being white and male, but still retaining a head of hair). I decided to apply for his job. Now obviously, I don’t fit the thumb model: I’m short and female. Although I am white, so one out of three.
I was not successful in my application. Did well at my interview apparently, but it’s a big role, and we need someone with more experience. Fair enough, I guess.
My new boss started last month. Seems a nice guy and has plenty of international experience. Not so much knowledge of New Zealand, or the primary sector, but that can come.
However, most importantly, he is a thumb. White, balding, and male
He’ll fit in just fine in the photos.
