I’ve always suspected that I was part of DEI (though it wasn’t called that back then) when I was accepted to grad school. Although I might not be giving myself enough credit.
Being accepted for grad school is a huge accomplishment! Whether you were accepted via a program similar to DEI or not, the credit and merit is all yours! You deserve it.
I think people who use "DEI" as an insult are trying desperately to ignore their own fear and feelings of inadequacy. That, coupled with racism, sexism, etc., makes it intolerable to them to accept that maybe that "DEI" candidate was just better suited for the job. They don't want to accept the truth, which is that white, cis-het, men born in this country still have an unfair advantage. As the saying goes, when you're used to being privileged, an even playing field feels unfair. These whiners don't get that even when someone really is a "DEI hire," they got the job because the playing was a bit more level, not because they were given an unfair advantage.
So well said! Thanks for adding your insights into this conversation. Indeed. The privileged have been supported with "soil" with the exact right mix and level of nutrients and pH that makes them thrive. They also take up most of the nutrients so other plants who got planted later don't have a chance to thrive. Many of them lack the awareness that other people don't have the adequate environment necessary for their survival and growth.
The mass of talent in evidence at the DNC ought to lay siege to fears that DEI = affirmative action = under qualification, the inference of attacks. Of course, it won’t, but some eyes at least may be opened a little further. The only way to move hearts is one at a time, often with maddening slowness.
What your ex said was awful.
Do we say, “You were a colonial hire” to European descendants? No more does anyone need to be labeled a “DEI hire.” Name calling is always reductive, and we all deserve for the people closest to us to believe in us and say so.
Thank you, Tara. You articulated this issue very well. I like that line about “colonial hire” and will put it in my arsenal of clap-backs in the future! My red-flag mechanism was malfunctioning during my partnership but not anymore! I won't tolerate this kind of insult anymore!
Such a great piece, Louisa. I am so glad that you took up this topic and argued it so forcefully here. As someone who has spent much of her career helping companies communicate their DEI policies and also was ghostwriter of a book on the topic, I know the importance these policies can have on a corporate and organizational culture where everyone thrives. In my understanding and experience, support of Diversity Equity and Inclusion improves ALL of our lives, regardless of our background. I also liked that you included that powerful image on the difference between equality and equity, which many people do not understand.
Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate your insights from the work you’ve done on DEI corporate policies. One Substacker mentioned the word “weaponized” DEI in the context of the Republic attack. I think that’s exactly what it is. When it’s used properly, DEI can do a lot of good. When weaponized, the original intent is bent and corrupted. Yea, when I first saw that illustration, it was as if a light bulb went off in my mind. It’s exactly how equity feels to me!
I’ve always suspected that I was part of DEI (though it wasn’t called that back then) when I was accepted to grad school. Although I might not be giving myself enough credit.
Being accepted for grad school is a huge accomplishment! Whether you were accepted via a program similar to DEI or not, the credit and merit is all yours! You deserve it.
Thanks, Louisa!
I think people who use "DEI" as an insult are trying desperately to ignore their own fear and feelings of inadequacy. That, coupled with racism, sexism, etc., makes it intolerable to them to accept that maybe that "DEI" candidate was just better suited for the job. They don't want to accept the truth, which is that white, cis-het, men born in this country still have an unfair advantage. As the saying goes, when you're used to being privileged, an even playing field feels unfair. These whiners don't get that even when someone really is a "DEI hire," they got the job because the playing was a bit more level, not because they were given an unfair advantage.
So well said! Thanks for adding your insights into this conversation. Indeed. The privileged have been supported with "soil" with the exact right mix and level of nutrients and pH that makes them thrive. They also take up most of the nutrients so other plants who got planted later don't have a chance to thrive. Many of them lack the awareness that other people don't have the adequate environment necessary for their survival and growth.
The mass of talent in evidence at the DNC ought to lay siege to fears that DEI = affirmative action = under qualification, the inference of attacks. Of course, it won’t, but some eyes at least may be opened a little further. The only way to move hearts is one at a time, often with maddening slowness.
What your ex said was awful.
Do we say, “You were a colonial hire” to European descendants? No more does anyone need to be labeled a “DEI hire.” Name calling is always reductive, and we all deserve for the people closest to us to believe in us and say so.
Thank you, Tara. You articulated this issue very well. I like that line about “colonial hire” and will put it in my arsenal of clap-backs in the future! My red-flag mechanism was malfunctioning during my partnership but not anymore! I won't tolerate this kind of insult anymore!
I love "you were a colonial hire." We should start using that as a clapback whenever someone starts going on about "DEI hires."
Poor whites have those same problems
Such a great piece, Louisa. I am so glad that you took up this topic and argued it so forcefully here. As someone who has spent much of her career helping companies communicate their DEI policies and also was ghostwriter of a book on the topic, I know the importance these policies can have on a corporate and organizational culture where everyone thrives. In my understanding and experience, support of Diversity Equity and Inclusion improves ALL of our lives, regardless of our background. I also liked that you included that powerful image on the difference between equality and equity, which many people do not understand.
Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate your insights from the work you’ve done on DEI corporate policies. One Substacker mentioned the word “weaponized” DEI in the context of the Republic attack. I think that’s exactly what it is. When it’s used properly, DEI can do a lot of good. When weaponized, the original intent is bent and corrupted. Yea, when I first saw that illustration, it was as if a light bulb went off in my mind. It’s exactly how equity feels to me!