When one hears the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” they may think of it as a way to end racism

When one hears the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” they may think of it as a way to end racism, or at the very least, make everyone feel comfortable and included. However, the origins of this concept are actually quite different.

The term “diversity” was first used in the late 1940s by American sociologist Robert E. Park, who used it to describe the various racial groups in America. Park believed that diversity was a good thing, as it allowed for the different groups to learn from and understand each other.

However, the term “diversity” began to take on a different meaning in the 1970s, when it was adopted by Marxist theorists. These theorists believed that diversity was a way to create division among the people, and that it would eventually lead to revolution.

This idea of diversity as a tool for division and revolution was further developed by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci believed that the different social groups in a society (such as the working class and the bourgeoisie) would eventually come into conflict with each other. This conflict would then lead to a revolution, which would overthrow the existing social order.

When it comes to the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is important to understand the origin of these concepts and how they have been used throughout history. Unfortunately, the origins of these concepts are rooted in Marxist ideology, which is designed to destroy capitalism and markets. This is why it is ironic that corporations are now being pushed or blackmailed into adopting these concepts, as they are ultimately antithetical to the very thing that these businesses are trying to achieve.

The concept of diversity equity and inclusion first originated from the work of Karl Marx, who was a German philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, and journalist. His work laid the foundation for what would become known as communism. In his work, Marx argued that capitalism was a system that was designed to exploit the working class. He believed that the only way to achieve true equality was to overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with a communist system.

While Marx's work was influential in shaping the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it was not until the 1960s that these concepts began to gain traction in the United States. This was during the Civil Rights Movement, when activists were fighting for racial equality. They argued that the existing system was unfair and that minorities were being discriminated against. As a result, they called for the implementation of affirmative action programs, which would give preference to minorities in education and employment.

While the Civil Rights Movement was successful in achieving some level of equality for minorities, the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion was later co-opted by the Marxist-inspired feminist movement. This movement argued that not only were minorities being discriminated against, but women were as well. They argued that the patriarchal system was to blame for the inequality that women faced. As a result, they called for the implementation of programs and policies that would preferential treatment to women.

Today, the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion is being pushed by corporations, as they are under pressure to appear more progressive. However, it is important to understand that these concepts are rooted in Marxist ideology, which is diametrically opposed to capitalism. As such, corporations should be very careful about adopting these concepts, as they could ultimately end up doing more harm than good.

The concept of diversity equity and inclusion has also been adopted by some feminist theorists. These theorists believe that diversity is a way to challenge the patriarchy and create a more equal society.

While the concept of diversity may have started out with good intentions, it has since been co-opted by Marxist and feminist theorists who have used it to further their own agendas. As a result, the true meaning of diversity has been lost, and it has become a tool for division and anger instead of inclusion and understanding.

References

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Anderson, P. (1984). In the tracks of historical materialism.

Bakan, A. B., & Dua, E. (2014). Theorizing anti-racism: Linkages in Marxism and critical race theories. University of Toronto Press.

Gause, C. (2011). Diversity, equity, and inclusive education: A voice from the margins. Springer Science & Business Media.

Jacoby, R. (2002). Dialectic of defeat: Contours of western Marxism. Cambridge University Press.

Johnson, L. (2023). Raising victims: The pernicious rise of critical race theory. Simon & Schuster.

Martin, J. (2023, January 13). Antonio Gramsci (Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/gramsci/

Megill, A. (2002). Karl Marx: The burden of reason (why Marx rejected politics and the market). Rowman & Littlefield.

Ratnam, T., Chan, E., & Parker, D. C. (2022). Social justice in teacher education: Equity, diversity, inclusion. Frontiers Media SA.

Wilson, R. L. (2022). Karl Marx’s America. iUniverse.