Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a Racist World

DEI is the new N-word. Code words form the basis of respectable dissent. One can use critical race theory or DEI to hide their racist intentions in acceptable language while being profoundly ignorant of the phrases they are using. One man who was asked by a reporter, during the Virginia governor's race when Glenn Youngkin won, to define critical race theory. He clumsily fumbled through a few nonsensical replies, finally admitting he didn't know what it was, but he was against it. What would engender such strong feelings without the requisite knowledge to back it up? Demonization of terms and people who the term represents is an otherizing that strips the humanity from the group and justifies whatever harm would be perpetrated against them. When a bridge collapses in Baltimore the mayor is a DEI hire, even though he was duly elected to his position. Qualifications don't matter to the racist spewing his vitriolic attack. The person in question could be more educated, experienced and excellent than any other option, but in their warped brain, the person doesn't deserve the position. However, whiteness is the greatest DEI program in American history. The diversity of Europeans coming to this land were progressively included into whiteness, with Italians and others having later inclusion. Whiteness afforded them collectively millions of acres of land. Inclusion into a New Deal allowed the white middle class to grow. The GI bill helped many others to go to college and buy a house. Meanwhile, Africans in America were excluded for the most part from all of these opportunities. Even today, it is well noted that White women are the greatest recipients of DEI programs, yet Black people are the go to for the assault of reactionary bigots. If the individuals who oppose DEI really want it to go, they must get rid of whiteness. That is to say the hierarchical nature of society where people are treated differently based on the color of their skin. Only then will there be a society where merit truly matters.