DIVERSITY

Why Some White People See Diversity As America's Greatest Threat

They see diversity as disruptive rather than necessary

Woman wearing a white blazer | Photo by Anna Shvets via Pexels

Why do some White people treat diversity as a dark cloud casting a shadow on an otherwise blue, homogenous sky? An old saying suggests that when someone becomes accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression. They become so accustomed to seeing clear, blue skies that they view clouds as intrusive rather than a beautiful inclusion, adding depth to the scene. By framing the overwhelmingly white status quo as normal, they cast diversity as a threat to the societal structure. However, there is nothing normal or natural about a society that deprives Black people of equal access to opportunities, any more than a skyline without clouds.

Since diversity is natural, why do so many White Americans, in particular, view the concept of diversity as the country's greatest threat? Consider Jim Fein and Mary Mobley, who wrote an article on behalf of The Heritage Foundation claiming that DEI programs distract the military from its "primary task." They argue that spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs increased under Biden's leadership. Still, rather than applaud the effort to foster unity with shared values, they claimed this effort wasted money, divided troops, and…