The lie that's DEI

A recent opinion poll suggested that most Canadians feel attached to their country, but only about half of them trust their governments. I can see why.

So often trend-conscious federal programs introduced with great fanfare and feverish chest-thumping turn out to be complete duds.

Take the plethora of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs introduced 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 now victimize 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 fairly and respectfully at all. 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 individual for the job. Problem solved.

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.