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Only I Belong: The Mantra of Those Who Push Back on DEI
After watching Bad Faith and the trailer for The Handmaid’s Tale, and hearing a talk about Belonging, I found myself drawn to the chilling mantra, “Only I Belong” — a sentiment that seemed to echo the divisive narrative of exclusivity. The phrase suggested that only those who align with a narrow, white Christian nationalist worldview have a place, while others are pushed to the margins. In response, I penned this essay to explore and confront this troubling perspective. I encourage you to read my reflections, then watch the two films I’ve listed at the essay’s end — they’re as thought-provoking as they are unsettling.
In a world as diverse and interconnected as ours, the concept of belonging should be a shared ideal — something we strive to extend, not restrict. However, in the backdrop of efforts to build more inclusive, equitable, and diverse communities, we find an insidious mantra taking hold: “Only I Belong.” This rallying cry echoes in the hearts of those who resist Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), emboldened by a worldview that defines worthiness of belonging through exclusion. In this essay, we will explore the roots and implications of this mantra, unravel its impact on society and organizations, and consider how its seductive but narrow appeal stands in stark contrast to the values that foster resilience, growth, and justice for all.
