We are constantly being told that diversity and inclusion is being executed in all major venues, especially in education and major businesses. However, perhaps we should question if this is a superficial practice merely claiming that efforts are being made to bring about a more equitable, unified workplace and country that includes everyone.
There is no shortage of programs claiming to bring all minorities and ethnicities to the table advocating inclusivity; however, in the end (subtly in many cases) these programs only enforce Eurocentric assimilation. A Eurocentric perspective still seems to dominate how everything is accepted and done in public and private venues in this country.
Many African Americans find it hard to grasp that even after many diversity-orientated programs are executed by predominantly White businesses and institutions, a dominant Eurocentric modus operandi still continues to prevail. If diversity is truly considered as a primary goal, it seems to be minimized in actual implementation according to many Blacks and people of color.
It has become frighteningly apparent that super-majority led Republican legislatures throughout our country are creating legislation supporting voter suppression and the banning of books teaching Black History. These actions abate what progress we may have made with diversity.
No amount of political rhetoric can disguise the true motives of these politicians who seem incensed in maintaining a dominant, White-controlled country. You can use as many euphemisms as you wish, but it all adds up to a fight to maintain White superiority, which is a far cry from diversity and inclusion. In fact, there seems to be a movement to abolish any gains we may have made in bringing about diversity. Just consider the recent roadblock administered by the Supreme Court abolishing affirmative action in Harvard and North Carolina, thus setting a precedent for all universities.
It is nothing short of ironic that education and politics, venues which could make the biggest difference in bringing about diversity, have been ‘kidnapped.’ The super-majority led Republican legislatures are flexing their power and taking Blacks and minorities back to a segregated time when the Good Ole Boys unabashedly flaunted their power. They have literally made a mockery of diversity and inclusion.
The conservative Supreme Court has ‘sealed the deal’ in the minds of many people of color, i.e., there is a blatant move to go backwards, catering to those falsely claiming affirmative action is unconstitutional. They claim we have reached our goal of achieving diversity and racial equality. That is an arrogant and insulting presumption to African Americans and other people of color.
The saddest part is that while there are some good Whites standing for diversity and inclusion, they don’t have the ‘weight’ of the ones showing their true racist colors. It is beyond sad that diversity is being held hostage, keeping this country from being the nation that claims liberty and justice for all.
There are those fighting desperately to keep people from being ‘awoke,’ because being ‘awoke’ makes you less likely to be gullible to lies, propaganda and those seeking to exploit you. Hopefully, those being ‘awoke’ to the manipulation of diversity will work to make it real and meaningful. We will not succeed in diversifying this country unless we can stop these extremist, demagogical Republicans from legislating their snake oil or witches’ brew.
Good speeches about diversity are a dime a dozen, but let’s put some walk to it and make it a reality. Let’s go to the polls and vote for those who really want to make diversity mean something.
