DEI Criticism: The New Racial Dog Whistle in Politics

By Darius Spearman (African Elements)

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Key Takeaways
Republican politicians are using “DEI” as a racial slur against Black individuals, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross suggests that “DEI” has become a euphemism for the N-word in political discourse.
Some Democratic representatives are considering censure against those making such remarks.
GOP leaders have urged their members to focus more on policy than personal attacks.
A majority of U.S. workers believe focusing on DEI at work is beneficial.
Opinions about DEI vary along demographic and political lines.

The Emergence of DEI as a Racial Slur in Politics

In recent years, the term “DEI” has taken an unexpected turn in political discourse. Once a beacon of progress, it now serves as a weapon in the hands of some politicians. This shift has left many wondering: How did we get here?

The acronym DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These words once symbolized hope for a fairer society. But now, they’re being twisted into something ugly. Republican politicians have started using “DEI” as an insult against Black individuals. This trend is most visible in their attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.

Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross has a bold take on this issue. She suggests that “DEI” has become a new way to say the N-word in politics (The Hill). This claim is shocking. But it’s not without evidence.

Criticism of DEI as a Derogatory Term

Source: Is DEI a Racial Slur? Rise in Term Outrages Black Americans – Newsweek

This visualization shows the increase in derogatory use of “DEI” in political discourse over the years.

Consider the recent comments by Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman. She dismissed Harris’s candidacy by calling her a “DEI hire” (The Hill). This remark wasn’t just a critique of Harris’s qualifications. It was a thinly veiled attack on her race and gender.

Hageman isn’t alone in this approach. Other Republican figures have echoed similar sentiments. These attacks have sparked heated debates about race and gender in political criticism.

Use of DEI as a Euphemism

Source: Why the term ‘DEI’ is being weaponized as a racist dog whistle – The Conversation

This visualization depicts the monthly incidents of “DEI” being used as a euphemism for the N-word against successful Black individuals.

The Backlash and Calls for Censure in Politics

The use of “DEI” as a racial slur hasn’t gone unchallenged. Many are pushing back against this trend. Some Democratic representatives are even considering censure for those who make such remarks.

This push for censure is a serious step. It shows how deeply this issue cuts. Democrats aren’t just disagreeing with these comments. They’re saying they cross a line that shouldn’t be crossed in political discourse.

Meanwhile, GOP leaders are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. They’ve urged their members to focus more on policy than personal attacks (USA Today). This push highlights a divide within the Republican party. Some want to engage in substantive debate. Others seem more interested in inflammatory rhetoric.

But will these efforts be enough to change the tone of the conversation? Only time will tell.

Understanding DEI: Beyond the Political Rhetoric

To truly grasp the impact of using DEI as a slur, we need to understand what it really means. DEI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a set of principles aimed at creating a fairer society.

Let’s break it down:

• Diversity: This refers to the presence of different characteristics in a group. These can include race, gender, age, and more.
• Equity: This involves removing barriers to resources and opportunities. It’s about making sure everyone has a fair shot.
• Inclusion: This means creating environments where all people feel welcome and valued.

These concepts are about more than just checking boxes. They’re about creating workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive (NACo).

The Public’s View on DEI and Workplace Policies

Despite the political controversy, many Americans support DEI initiatives. A Pew Research study found that most U.S. workers believe focusing on DEI at work is a good thing (Pew Research).

However, opinions about DEI aren’t uniform. They vary along demographic and political lines. This split reflects the broader divisions in American society.

Most workers have some experience with DEI measures in their workplace. These often include:

• Policies ensuring fairness in hiring
• Training sessions on DEI topics
• Efforts to create more inclusive work environments

These experiences shape how people view DEI. For many, it’s not an abstract concept but a part of their daily work life.

The Kamala Harris DEI Controversy: A Case Study

The attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris exemplify how DEI is being weaponized in politics. Critics have labeled her a “DEI hire,” implying she got her position solely due to her race and gender.

These attacks ignore Harris’s long career in public service. They overlook her achievements as a prosecutor, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator. Instead, they reduce her to a token of diversity.

This controversy highlights several issues:

• The persistent racism and sexism in American politics
• The backlash against efforts to promote diversity in leadership
• The willingness of some politicians to use coded language to appeal to certain voters

The Harris controversy isn’t just about one person. It’s a microcosm of larger debates about representation and qualifications in American politics.

GOP Criticism of DEI: Beyond Personal Attacks

While personal attacks get the most attention, GOP criticism of DEI goes beyond insults. Some Republicans argue that DEI initiatives are unfair or even discriminatory.

These critics often claim that DEI:

• Promotes “reverse racism” against white people
• Lowers standards in the name of diversity
• Infringes on individual merit and achievement

These arguments reflect a broader conservative skepticism towards efforts to address systemic inequalities. They often frame DEI as a threat to traditional American values.

Ongoing Discussion of Race and Gender in Political Rhetoric

Source: Election 2024: Republican leaders warn against sexist, racist attacks against Harris – AP News

This line graph shows the increasing frequency of discussions around race and gender in political rhetoric over the years.

However, supporters of DEI argue that these criticisms miss the point. They say DEI isn’t about lowering standards or discriminating against anyone. Instead, it’s about creating a level playing field where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

The Impact on Public Perception of DEI

The use of DEI as a racial slur in politics has far-reaching effects. It’s changing how the public views these important concepts.

For some, the political attacks have reinforced their support for DEI. They see these criticisms as proof of why such initiatives are necessary. Others have become more skeptical of DEI, viewing it as a political tool rather than a genuine effort at fairness.

This shift in perception could have real-world consequences. It might affect:

• Support for DEI programs in workplaces and schools
• Funding for diversity initiatives
• Public policy decisions related to equity and inclusion

As the debate continues, it’s crucial to separate the political rhetoric from the real goals of DEI. Only then can we have a meaningful conversation about creating a more equitable society.

Conclusion: The Future of DEI in Political Discourse

The transformation of DEI into a racial slur marks a troubling turn in American politics. It shows how even well-intentioned concepts can be twisted for political gain.

Moving forward, several questions remain:

• Can we reclaim DEI from its use as a slur?
• How will this controversy affect efforts to promote diversity and inclusion?
• What role should politicians play in shaping the conversation around DEI?

The answers to these questions will shape not just our political discourse but our society as a whole. As we navigate these choppy waters, it’s crucial to remember the true meaning and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

FAQ

Q: What does DEI stand for?

A: DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Q: How is DEI being used as a racial slur in politics?

A: Some politicians, particularly Republicans, have been using “DEI” as a derogatory term to dismiss or criticize Black individuals, implying they were chosen for positions based solely on their race rather than their qualifications.

Q: Who has been targeted by these DEI-related attacks?

A: Vice President Kamala Harris has been a primary target, with some politicians referring to her as a “DEI hire.”

Q: How are Democrats responding to these attacks?

A: Some Democratic representatives are considering censure against those making such remarks, viewing them as racist and inappropriate for political discourse.

Q: What do most U.S. workers think about DEI in the workplace?

A: According to a Pew Research study, a majority of U.S. workers believe focusing on DEI at work is a good thing.

Q: How do Republicans justify their criticism of DEI?

A: Some Republicans argue that DEI initiatives are unfair or discriminatory, promoting “reverse racism” and lowering standards in the name of diversity.

Q: How might this controversy affect DEI initiatives in the future?

A: The politicization of DEI could impact public support for DEI programs, funding for diversity initiatives, and policy decisions related to equity and inclusion.

About the author:

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.