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[Clueless]

I appreciate Humanities ABD's considered argument, but the assertion he/she makes that doesn't convince me is this:

"A candidate who makes specific statements about her background, interests, or predilections runs equivalent risk with all other candidates of alienating committee members."

I think the risk factor depends on the content of the information and is not equivalent.  While it is possible to alienate a committee member by revealing that one is straight, married, Christian, and healthy, it is (I think) far more likely to alienate a committee member by revealing that one is gay, a single parent, Muslim, or chronically ill.

When candidates volunteer information that is illegal to ask, it sets a standard for all candidates.  Silence will be held suspect . . . or is it already?

I remain uneasy.

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