Have you ever wondered why everything has to have a name? Obviously, naming things ensures that we’re talking about the same thing, which promotes understanding.
Imagine trying to describe something that has no name. Calling the thing whatchamacallit because it is nameless or you forgot the name just won’t do.
When we can’t think of the name for something, things become gizmos, thingies, thingamajigs, or whatchamacallits.
These nouns designate things that are hard to describe, unknown, or forgotten.
Can you give me that thingamajig?
What do you, or what should we call it? Someone must name it!
Things are named to specify, classify, and symbolize something for the sake of communication, classification, and understanding.
We name people, places, things, acts, animals, and processes to identify them from other people and things.
Can you think of anything that doesn’t have a name?
What is diversity, equity, and inclusion, or (DEI)?
No one calls it a gizmo or thingamajig. DEI is almost self-explanatory.
The components of DEI aren’t new, and the acronym is specific to the words. An acronym is a word formed with the letters of a particular phrase.
DEI isn’t a new thing. How could it be new?
Diversity, a component of DEI, is certainly not a new word. It has described America for decades.
America’s diversity is defined by its racial, ethnic, and cultural makeup relative to its immigrants, which translates to a wide range of beliefs, traditions, values, and religions.
What’s the etymology of diversity?
Etymology refers to the historical origin or heritage of a word which is similar to one’s family tree. The word etymology is Greek in origin. Etymon means ‘true.’ The progress of equity in America has been a slow one for segments of its diverse racial population, especially African Americans.
Equity is not a new or foreign word to Americans.
The lack of equity under British rule started the revolution that created America.
Naturally, every cultural group in America’s melting pot that contributes to her success wants to be at the table of prosperity, liberty, and justice.
Equality for all!
Inclusion for all!
So, what about DEI? DEI doesn’t benefit one group; it benefits all.
Some people want DEI to die.
The D in DEI promotes gender, disability, age, culture, religion, ethnicity, or opinions.
DEI arose after affirmative action enacted by President John F. Kennedy was eliminated. Affirmative action promoted equitable employment regardless of race, creed, natural origin, or color.
DEI is not about quotas but opportunity, fairness, and representation.
If the acronym DEI offends, what about ERIA (Equal Rights In America)?
With or without an acronym, we want an America that will eliminate discrimination and represent all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or other distinctions.
Be happy and well.