Interviews, Affirmative Action, and The Ramones

Today I rolled out of bed at the crack of 11:00am, put on a nice white shirt and a new tie, and took a 60dhs taxi ride to the other side of town for an interview with American University in Dubai.  The job I'm applying for is Financial Affairs Officer, which is basically just a guy who keeps track of the students' money and makes sure they pay for classes and dorms and things like that.  

I got there about an hour early because I wasn't sure how long the cab ride would take.  I told the cab driver to take me to a cafe since I was so early.  He assured me that the university could accommodate my cafe needs within its gates.  "OK" I thought.  "I have no reason to doubt that that's true."   However, when I approached the security booth and explained my business, the guard was convinced that I was crazy.  Why was I so early?  He would have to call the HR Coordinator with whom my meeting was scheduled.  My appointment was at what time?  I suggested that I go wait somewhere else.  He clearly thought that was the best idea I'd had today.   I went to The Hard Rock Cafe next door and drank a Cap'n and Coke, a water and a Red Bull while watching music videos (including The Ramones classic video for "I Wanna Be Sedated" which I had never seen before and which has a simple beauty that captivated me).  Turned out to be a fantastic way to kill the time.    

Both the HR Coordinator and then later the CFO mainly wanted to ask me why I would be interested in such a low level position which made me feel fairly confident about my prospects.  I'd say the interviews went well because they said they would be in touch to schedule an interview with the VP of the University.  Only problem is that it's across town and I don't have a driver's license because my Visa is not complete yet so I'll be taking a cab for the time being.   They're not big on public transport here.  But you gotta spend money to make money right?  Am I right?  You know I'm right.  

One of the interesting things they told me in the interview is that they are looking for the staff that interact with the students to reflect the "multicultural ambiance" of the university, and I happen to fit into a needed "profile".  Nice.  Nothing like getting a job by virtue of being a white American.    Should I remove my name from consideration in protest of this discrimination?  Nah, I don't think I will.  It's interesting though that UAE employers have the right to say, "I want a nice mix of nationalities on my staff and right now we don't have enough Americans.  Now go find me some."  The world is truly a rich tapestry isn't it?