As we step into the raw, post pandemic space of asking, “what have we learned and what can we do better?”, corporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion also known as D&I or DIB with B for Belonging) programs will inevitably come into the spotlight. Why? To put it bluntly, people will start to ask the question.. is it inclusive to fire or discriminate against people over vaccination status? And if it’s not.. and many companies did.. how effective are DEI programs at reducing discrimination?
It's not DEI, it 's DIE - and it will be the death of a free, normal society. Wokeness is one of the worst mental illnesses possible. It's not really about including others, it's about who they can get away with cancelling in their bid to take over the world...
Really enjoyed this piece, which captures many of my feelings about DEI. I think you nailed it with your distinction between the wish to overcome oppression and have a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society and workplace, and identitarian grievance politics that seeks to punish and make wrong those believed to be associated with oppression.
In progressive politics, there has long been a tension between those who sought to overcome injustice to create a better society for all and those whose goal was to raise up their own group exclusively and to take down their 'enemies'. Gandhi and MLK are representatives of the first group, and although it is in some ways the slower and harder path it is the one that will lead to real and lasting social change IMHO. Where does the other path lead? Either the bid for power is unsuccessful, and there is a loss of goodwill from the dominant class, leading to worse oppression, or it is successful, and the roles are reversed - now the oppressed becomes the oppressor and the cycle continues. Either way, Gandhi said it best: 'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.'
Very thoughtful and thought provoking - thank you. It helped me sort through my mixed feelings about the way DEI has been working its way through the work world and beyond. I also appreciate the more nuanced look at the mandates (I was always opposed to them) and the goal of keeping vulnerable people safe.
It's not DEI, it 's DIE - and it will be the death of a free, normal society. Wokeness is one of the worst mental illnesses possible. It's not really about including others, it's about who they can get away with cancelling in their bid to take over the world...
Yes.. read Gato Malo today re China. I dont see anyone on LinkedIn taking a stand against China
Really enjoyed this piece, which captures many of my feelings about DEI. I think you nailed it with your distinction between the wish to overcome oppression and have a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society and workplace, and identitarian grievance politics that seeks to punish and make wrong those believed to be associated with oppression.
In progressive politics, there has long been a tension between those who sought to overcome injustice to create a better society for all and those whose goal was to raise up their own group exclusively and to take down their 'enemies'. Gandhi and MLK are representatives of the first group, and although it is in some ways the slower and harder path it is the one that will lead to real and lasting social change IMHO. Where does the other path lead? Either the bid for power is unsuccessful, and there is a loss of goodwill from the dominant class, leading to worse oppression, or it is successful, and the roles are reversed - now the oppressed becomes the oppressor and the cycle continues. Either way, Gandhi said it best: 'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.'
Thank you. Exactly. It seems like such basic logic - it is a struggle to understand why more people cannot see it.
Very thoughtful and thought provoking - thank you. It helped me sort through my mixed feelings about the way DEI has been working its way through the work world and beyond. I also appreciate the more nuanced look at the mandates (I was always opposed to them) and the goal of keeping vulnerable people safe.