Editor's note: Our proposal was written before the Canadian Museum of Human Rights named a new president and CEO. We sincerely hope Isha Khan will make a glowing and positive presence for the museum. We still submit our application.
I certainly have made a few arguments on how I could make an impact in Canada in various positions over the years. The requirements for the Canadian Senate are full of minutia.
You could argue that I haven't worked in a museum or been a CEO of a non-profit organisation. There is an opening for the CEO at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg after allegations of 'pervasive and systemic' racism.
So why would I be a great CEO for the Canadian Museum of Human Rights?
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On the surface, I would not be the ideal CEO for a human rights museum in 2020 since I am a white male from the United States. I understand that. Here is why I might be the ideal candidate.
my love of Canadian film, including Indigenous stories — I likely have seen more documentaries and feature films of Indigenous people than most Canadians who are not Indigenous.
work as a journalist — Covering people's stories who don't normally get enough exposure, you learn to listen and let other people tell their stories. I have the inherent curiosity paramount to a good journalist.
love of history — I almost minored in history at university. I have a strong interest in learning stories from the past and how they relate to the present and the future.
principled approach to offensive sports nicknames — We have never published any of the offensive nicknames for any sports teams at CanadianCrossing.com.
the outsider element — I don't have biases against French-speaking people or Indigenous people. I don't have a province of bias since I am not from any province. I do know enough Canadian history but as an outsider.
empathy and sensitivity — People need to be heard and listened to with understanding. I might be in my box with my outside but feel comfortable being the only white or male or both in a room. I understand the need to have a harmonious workplace where people feel comfortable and safe. Good for those people but also the best way to get the most from your employees.
willingness to live in Winnipeg — I have been to Winnipeg and the museum. I enjoyed my time there. I don't have a snob reaction to living in Winnipeg.
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You are often asked in job interviews about your motivations for why you want this particular position. You can't say "Canada. Winnipeg." and expect to get the job. You breathe a sigh and give an unexpectedly honest, blunt answer.
"At this point in my life, my career, I want to be somewhere to make a difference. I don't want this job just as a job. I want to be here at least a decade if not longer. I want this to be the last job interview I have in a good way."
"When I was here in Winnipeg, I heard in separate conversations from white women who told me they would never go in the Canadian Museum of Human Rights because Indigenous people get in for free. I had not been to the museum before these conversations. I was stunned each time I ran across the line, surprised that these women, who did not know each other, would repeat the same line. I hope that I become the new CEO to have a good response as a comeback. I would preach to the converted in this job but I also hope to have opportunities to show people such as these women the meaningfulness of why the museum is for everyone because all humans have rights."
If you are interested in learning more, you can go to the CanadianCrossing.com home page and click on "Email me."
photo credits: me
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