Race remains a hot-button topic in American politics these days. It seems the subject permeates the vast majority of discussions on various issues – even ones that do not appear on their face to involve race.
A substantial portion of race-centered conversations has involved diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the public and private sectors. Conservatives, in particular, have been vocal critics of these initiatives, which are ostensibly aimed at addressing the impact of bigotry in the workplace and preventing discrimination.
However, what started as principled criticisms of DEI have morphed into a catchall label being applied to situations where it does not belong. The most recent example was the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
Soon after the disaster occurred, several right-leaning influencers took to social media to blame it on DEI despite there being no evidence that diversity initiatives played a role. Some went so far as to label Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott as a “DEI mayor” after he addressed residents of the city.
During an appearance on MSNBC, Scott struck back, arguing that black men “have been the bogeyman for those who are racist and think that only straight, wealthy white men should have a say in anything.”
“We know what they want to say. But they don’t have the courage to say the N-word, and the fact that I don’t believe in their untruthful and wrong ideology, and I am very proud of my heritage and, who I am, and where I come from, scares them. Because me being at my position means that their way of thinking, their way of life of being comfortable while everyone else suffers is going to be at risk, and they should be afraid because that’s my purpose in life.”
This is not an isolated occurrence. Some on the right have blamed DEI for plane malfunctions and other such stories.
The overzealousness with which some have applied the DEI label has become an issue that could easily backfire. Indeed, it appears to have already had a negative impact on conservative efforts to win the debate over DEI, and if this continues, their chances of winning this particular battle of ideas will be greatly diminished.
Firstly, crying “DEI” any time an adverse event occurs provides even more ammo to those on the left who are using the initiatives to push a political agenda. It is more difficult to argue that criticisms of the practice are not racist when some are simply using it to score political points against figures like Mayor Scott and others. It implies that black and brown Americans are woefully incompetent and couldn’t possibly have the merit necessary to work in various jobs. This might not be the intended message, but it is the message being sent nonetheless.
In fact, many left-wing influencers are taking the opportunity to use the fixation on DEI against conservatives.
Marc Morial, the president of the National Urban League, a civil rights organization, said the suggestion “that a diverse workforce is somehow less competent than an all-white workforce is racist on its face and beneath the dignity of any self-respecting American.”
In a statement to Newsweek, Morial said: “It comes as no surprise that mindless racial hatred flourishes among the crudest of internet trolls.
“The reflex to lay blame for every disaster at the feet of workers of color or simply to assume their incompetence is the most primitive expression of racial animus. The success of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in building adept, dynamic, and innovative organizations is well documented – as the politicians who exploit tragedies like the Key Bridge collapse to provoke resentment are well aware.”
"What they mean by #DEI, in my opinion, is duly elected incumbent." — @MayorBMScott #BaltimoreaBridge pic.twitter.com/mhhuWM3xhB
— Philmonger (@phillipmbailey) March 28, 2024
I guess DEI is the new “N” word.
— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) March 26, 2024
Correction: @MayorBMScott was elected overwhelmingly by the people of Baltimore. https://t.co/SnGhCpg4JA
Secondly, claiming that each disaster was caused by DEI creates a Little Boy Who Cried Wolf effect. When the rest of the nation knows that diversity initiatives aren’t the culprit for these occurrences, they will be less likely to believe folks on the right when they raise concerns about the programs. It is similar to how leftists overuse the word “racist” to apply to any person, idea, or information they don’t like. If everything is DEI, nothing is DEI.
Continually throwing the term around distracts from legitimate criticisms of DEI. It will make it more difficult for conservatives to argue successfully against those pushing the agenda. Engaging in productive dialogue about this topic will become nearly impossible if folks on the right are not taken seriously on the matter.
If conservatives want to stop the spread of DEI ideology, they have to fight smarter instead of simply shouting “DEI” in response to each disaster.
