Diversity, equity and inclusion
Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voila!It is four words strung together that would offer the American dream to millions who have been systemically excluded. DEI is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations.
The goal is aspirational. The goal is to value the gifts each of us bring to the whole. It's about the opportunity to succeed.
These goals are woven into the fabric of our country. The Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas: (1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; (2) the main business of government is to protect these rights; (3) if a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a new government. (-Britannica)
Diversity
Diversity is about what makes each of us unique and includes our backgrounds, personality, life experiences and beliefs, all of the things that make us who we are. It is a combination of our differences that shape our view of the world, our perspective and our approach (vic.gov)Monoculturalism
In the context of cultural diversity, monoculturalism is the opposite of multiculturalism. Rather than the suppression of different ethnic groups within a given society, sometimes monoculturalism manifests as the active preservation of a country's national culture via the exclusion of external influences. A monocultural mindset is the belief that one's own culture is superior to others and that their own experiences are the definition of "normal". People with a monocultural mindset may:Have little or nothing to learn from other cultures
Be arrogant and short-sighted
Believe that their cultural practices are superior to those of minority groups
Judge another culture based on the values and standards of one's own culture
(Online sources including Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology and Tracking Genocide: Persecution of the Karen in Burma". Texas international law journal.)
Equity
The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Whereas equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances.Inequity
Inequity, unfairness. injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards of those who would keep control over others. (vocabulary.com)Inclusion
Inclusion is seen as a universal human right. The aim of inclusion is to embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other need. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance (removal of barriers). (inclusion.me.uk)Exclusion
It's us vs them. All sorts of barriers are erected to keep others out. Often starting with exclusionary language goes way beyond the understanding and application of grammar. It's embedded with deeper meanings, peppered by shared history, values, experiences, class, gender, and much more, overt and covert. The goal of subverting inalienable rights has evolved into something like this. Anybody who opposes the in crowd is guided by demonic forces, and they need to be eliminated in a battle of good versus evil.
From Fast Company - The Four Reasons for DEI Backlash. (Amira Barger)
DEI threatens meritocracy.
Some opponents of DEI initiatives express fears about the possibility of “reverse discrimination.” These critics view society as a zero-sum game.
Political ideology and correctness
Of course, many misconceptions about DEI stem from misinformation. Misinformation and misunderstandings about the goals and methods of DEI often drive opposition to DEI initiatives. These efforts—specifically framing DEI as anti-white—attempt to create a narrative of preferential treatment or enforcement of ideological conformity. It is also common for people to misunderstand or conflate three key elements of DEI: equality, equity, inclusion and systemic change.