Overview
The article examines the racist backlash following Nikhil Ravishankar’s appointment as Air New Zealand’s new CEO, highlighting public responses, New Zealand’s progress in diversity, and the importance of confronting prejudice.
Public Reaction to CEO Appointment
- Social media saw a surge of racist comments after Nikhil Ravishankar’s appointment as Air New Zealand’s CEO.
- Negative remarks focused on his ethnicity, accent, and assumptions about cultural identity.
- Multiple New Zealand media outlets disabled comment sections due to the volume of racist responses.
Context and Historical Comparison
- This backlash echoes past incidents, such as Paul Henry questioning the New Zealand identity of Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.
- Despite increased inclusivity over 15 years, reactions suggest lingering prejudices about cultural “ownership” of major brands.
Evaluation of Credentials and Selection
- Ravishankar’s New Zealand upbringing, education at local institutions, and prior leadership roles were highlighted as strong credentials.
- Unlike previous CEOs, his ethnicity was questioned despite similar or better qualifications.
- The Air New Zealand board chose Ravishankar based on merit from a competitive field.
Broader Implications for Diversity and Leadership
- By 2043, an estimated quarter of New Zealand’s population will be of Asian descent, signaling growing diversity in leadership.
- Most New Zealanders are accepting, but visible prejudice persists in some circles.
- Racist comments can discourage young people from diverse backgrounds from aspiring to leadership roles.
Positive Community Responses
- Some social media users affirmed Ravishankar's capabilities and professionalism.
- Comparisons were made to other diverse leadership appointments, such as a New Zealander heading Air India.
The Role of Media and Commentary
- The article calls for confronting prejudiced remarks rather than ignoring them.
- Stuff maintains a policy of publishing a range of opinions to promote healthy dialogue and rejects creating echo chambers.
Recommendations / Advice
- Challenge and call out racist or prejudiced comments when encountered to foster a more inclusive environment.
- Encourage diverse youth to pursue leadership without fear of cultural backlash.