STEREOTYPES

D.E.I. Doesn’t Lead to Hiring Unqualified Black Pilots

DEI programs will not jeopardize the safety of passengers

AI-generated photo of a pilot speaking to a flight attendant | created by the author using CANVA

Don't cry over spilled milk," we often tell children to reassure them that all of us make mistakes. So, we shouldn't waste too much time beating ourselves up for things we can't change. All is forgiven. Now, let's get a towel to clean up this mess. However, this dynamic changes drastically outside of the home environment, where Black children, teenagers, and adults often face unwarranted blame and punishment. Part of being a Black person in America is realizing that if you make a mistake, someone may make a mountain out of a molehill, and even if you're careful not to spill the milk, someone may blame you for it all the same.

For instance, Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, recently claimed, "It will take an airplane crashing and killing hundreds of people for them to change this crazy policy," referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs endorsed by some airlines. It's no secret that conservatives have their hearts set on eliminating as many DEI programs as possible. They see these programs as a threat to the racial hierarchy that safeguards white privilege. So, they've become immersed in a political campaign designed to discredit these programs, portraying them as…