The lie that's DEI
"And when the state must okay what you think or say, well, it's never a good day."
A recent opinion poll suggested that most Canadians feel attached to their country, but only about half of them trust their governments. And I can see why.
So often trend-conscious federal programs introduced with great fanfare and feverish chest-thumping, turn out to be duds.
Take the plethora of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs introduced in recent years to combat alleged “systemic” racism and sexism in hiring. They have proved to be as racist and sexist as the system they were supposed to replace. It’s just that they’ve deliberately victimized a different set of applicants … usually, but not always, white males.
Ottawa initially received fawning support for DEI from the business community. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, for example, lauded DEI as being good for business and fostering “a workplace where everyone feels comfortable, respected and valued.”
It said: “From hiring practices to employee development to marketing campaigns, there are many ways to incorporate DEI into your business. And when you do, everyone wins.”
The only people who clearly don’t win, though, are those who are excluded from being hired or promoted because of their gender or race. They are not treated at all “fairly and with respect.” They are told to take a hike.
The U.S. Supreme Court, meanwhile, has taken a hatchet to DEI. Chief Justice John Roberts correctly concluded early on that “the way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”
Given the divisiveness caused by DEI, it’s high time Canada dumped it, too. Governments, universities, corporations and other employers should just hire the best person for the job.
In 2019, I wrote a poem about the lie that is DEI on the website allpoetry.com. I think it’s still valid today.
Doublespeak
By Jon Ferry
We live in a topsy-turvy world. Everything's the opposite of what we're officially told.
"Gender equality" is code for inequality at your sexist, racist university.
"Visible minorities" have become majorities in many "post-racial" cities.
"Social justice" is injustice, "diversity" is conformity, though it's un-PC to discuss this.
"Inclusion" is exclusion, "equity" is inequity, causing still more confusion.
It's all part of the baloney pioneered by Chairman Mao and, yes, Leon Trotsky.
So don't be offended if it isn't turning out quite as intended.
Confucius wasn't being deceiving in saying folks lose their freedom when words lose their meaning.
And when the state must okay what you think or say, well, it's never a good day.