What is it about diversity that ignites the issues and actions of government today? Schools and universities are being threatened and cowed into submission. Businesses are being strong-armed into retreating from sensible hiring practices.
If you look around, there is diversity everywhere. No two regions of America are the same. No states or cities or small towns are exactly the same.
From the beginning, we have been a diverse people. Early native populations across the continent were diverse. Then came Europeans and Africans. Today, our census shows us to be 61% white alone, 18% Latino, 12% African American, 5% Asian, along with Native American, Native Hawaiian and almost 3% multiracial.
So if diversity is obviously present in America, why is it that government policy is so intensely dedicated to erasing its presence?
I believe the answer lies in the fact that changes in our ethnic and racial mix are scary to segments of America’s population. These fearful Americans have been persuaded by frantic voices that the end of their world is near. They have been scared into believing that they are being “invaded” by people who will take away everything they have: their jobs, their culture, their religion. They are told these “invaders” are rapists and murderers who will destroy their families and homes. Leaders say DEI must be stopped “by any means necessary.”
The problem with DEI, according to the loud voices, is that it allows for multiple points of view, numerous ways of doing things. To them, there can be only one view of America and the world, and that is the view of those who are now in power. No other views can be tolerated.
The problem, the real problem with DEI, is that it accepts America for what it really is: an exciting nation with diverse people trying to get along the best they can. That is a threat to those who are basking in the rewards of the status quo.
The problem with DEI is that it represents who we are, not who the powerful want us to be.
Allow DEI, and America will stay great.
— George Conover, Westminster
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