"Being early is not the same thing as being excellent." Speaking as a mediocre white male who was indeed somewhat early to this, this is very well said.
This year I had the weirdest experience judging at a table with 2 French judges and they were either not willing to discuss beers at all (it was not obligatory, you needed to score the samples individually), or were discussing samples in French (which I do not speak). I asked them to translate once and then gave up. Though most of the time my tables are way better, thankfully.
But that "not a token" comment hit the nail hard. I keep hearing/reading this reasonings about me or other female judges all the time, and I hate it. A few years ago I've got the worst one: "Of course every competition wants you, you are a bingo: a female and a Ukrainian". Like everyone wants to increase female headcount for diversity signaling and feels bad for Ukrainians. I felt so shocked and deflated I couldn't even answer anything. I'd really like people to stop thinking that someone gets invited to do a job that needs competence just because of gender/any other reason having nothing to do with knowledge/experience
late to the (reading) table but thanks for the spot on analysis . this kind of shit behavior is Everywhere and it's not our job to educate the assholes. I very much enjoy your writing :)
"Being early is not the same thing as being excellent." Speaking as a mediocre white male who was indeed somewhat early to this, this is very well said.
Once again, a newsletter that makes me reflect on my own behavior at the judging table (and in life). Thanks Jen!
This year I had the weirdest experience judging at a table with 2 French judges and they were either not willing to discuss beers at all (it was not obligatory, you needed to score the samples individually), or were discussing samples in French (which I do not speak). I asked them to translate once and then gave up. Though most of the time my tables are way better, thankfully.
But that "not a token" comment hit the nail hard. I keep hearing/reading this reasonings about me or other female judges all the time, and I hate it. A few years ago I've got the worst one: "Of course every competition wants you, you are a bingo: a female and a Ukrainian". Like everyone wants to increase female headcount for diversity signaling and feels bad for Ukrainians. I felt so shocked and deflated I couldn't even answer anything. I'd really like people to stop thinking that someone gets invited to do a job that needs competence just because of gender/any other reason having nothing to do with knowledge/experience
late to the (reading) table but thanks for the spot on analysis . this kind of shit behavior is Everywhere and it's not our job to educate the assholes. I very much enjoy your writing :)