Nepotism: It's a Dirty Word

Nepotism according to Merriam-Webster is the favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship. We are hearing about it in the news more and more. Nepotism I most often found occurring at some companies and in non-profits. President George W. Bush is from nepotism. He is from an important political family. Unfortunate for him, he is now considered a bad copy of his father. Al Gore, our former Vice President who informed us about global warming, comes from an important political family, also.

Donald Trump hired his daughter. As a matter a fact, he hired both of his children. We see it in Hollywood also. For example, SeaQuest DSV had the talents of Michael and Peter DeLuise, the sons of Dom DeLuise.

What does nepotism mean to some of us? Someone is being favored and getting a position for which they did not earn. Which tells us the person is incapable of handling the job they received? When one plays with nepotism, you may be crossing the line. The only thing this can cause is resentment.

Nepotism is considered illegal in some states and companies can be sued for wrongful termination. Some employers have even created anti-nepotism policies to avoid employee discrimination charges. There is not only nepotism in families. There is also ethnic nepotism. The term was introduced in 1981 with clans favoring other members within the clan, but this is nothing new as this has been going on for years. Charles Darwin even mentions the idea in his works.

John Edwards is looking to remove nepotism from colleges. Well known colleges and universities will let in 10 to 15% family alumni on the bases of donations. The belief that nepotism is part of the 18^th century and since we are now in the 21^st century it should be abolished.