Diversity, inclusion and equity (DIE) — these are all seemingly innocent words; adhering to these principles may even improve humanity. Yet an unquestioning devotion to these principles from the social justice crowd have turned the movement from a push to be more open and inclusive to the true diversity in our society, to one that is antithetical to classical liberal principles.
Because the current culture holds certain opinions up as undeniable truths, tragically, one must defend classical liberalism and the holding of different views. Indeed, those who question the modern religion of DIE are often cancelled and outcast as racist, sexist, colonialist dinosaurs.
Nowadays, the “lived experience” of marginalized communities stands as an unassailable point. But what if my lived experience renders me even more emphatically in support of the classical liberal principles that are the very foundation of democracy? My “lived experiences” as a Third World immigrant to the United States has in fact led me to be a lifelong defender of the practices of merit, fairness and equality — practices derived from classical liberal principles.
These are some of the reasons I am writing about DIE in science and in the broader society. As someone who has dealt with the “lived experience” of racism, I am here to make the case that we need to move beyond antiquated intellectual racism and inept modern anti-racism, and move instead toward a more individualistic approach.
The means of progress should be derived from humbly examining and advancing the principles of human liberty, rather than holding and defending beliefs in social justice. The only way to proceed is through the free exchange of ideas, which is currently impossible due to the religious-like behaviour of those who aim to shame others into silence. I hope that my experiences can play a role in enabling others to speak and think freely and add value to the never-ending drive for human progress and freedom.
Additional perspectives: what is diversity, inclusion and equity (DIE)?