Oops! A casting call for a new host of a children's program on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the taxpayer supported, government-owned television and radio network of Canada,  accidentally told the truth, when it specified "any race except Caucasian." See for yourself:

Adrain Humphries of the National Post reports:

A casting call to hire a new CBC host that specifically said white people need not apply has been withdrawn, with the casting agent offering apologies for the mistake.

The original ad for the host of a children's show, posted on the casting agency's website under a CBC logo and on Craigslist, said: "Please only submit [an audition tape] if you match the following criteria: Male between the ages of 23-35 years; Any race except Caucasian."

A new version of the ad removes the race reference, but maintains the sex and age restrictions and that applicants "must be able to carry a tune," "ability to dance or move well is a bonus," and should be "not afraid to show a silly side," among others.

The excuses being made are all of the familiar variety: inclusion, not exclusion. The head of the casting agency which got the contract said:

"We were asked to seek a cast of diversity. We mistakenly took that to mean that the production was not seeking Caucasian actors. This was a mistake that was made entirely by the casting company.

"Of course, it's open to all ethnicities," she said.

Of course it is. They will consider any application from a Caucasian in light of the need for diversity (which means a non-Caucasian, except possibly a homosexual Caucasian might be OK).

It would be wonderful to pretend that this sort of thing only happens in Canada, and not south of the border. It would also be wonderful to pretend that a thumb is not on the scale against Caucasians in this (and many other) job offerings. This is a sign of the times, the era of state-sponsored racism.

Hat tip: John McMahon, Andrew Bolt