REVERSITY: The Assaultive Intolerance and Attack by the Far Right on DEI Programs and Efforts

In 1995, I wrote a poem about REVERSITY, a term that describes the reactionary response by some individuals or groups to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and efforts.

Today, the concept of REVERSITY is more relevant than ever, as we witness an assaultive intolerance and attack by the far-right on DEI programs and efforts.

My poem explores the underlying theory behind REVERSITY, which is rooted in the idea that some people may feel threatened by the changes brought about by DEI efforts.

Through my poem, I aim to raise awareness about the impact of REVERSITY, which can perpetuate inequality and impede progress towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. I hope that my poem will contribute to the ongoing dialogue towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Feel free to watch my 20 minute YouTube Video on the poem and its meaning. Click here.

Before I introduce the poem, I want to highlight the acronym of REVERSITY and its key tenets:

R — Reversing

R eversing — going backwards, excluding, disrupting, such as:

Rescinding affirmative action policies that promote diversity and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Repealing laws that protect marginalized communities from discrimination and violence.

Closing borders to refugees and immigrants who seek to build new lives in the United States.

E — Equitable

Equitable — attacking fairness, equity and equal opportunity of outcome, such as:

Cutting funding for programs that support education, healthcare, and other essential services for low-income communities.

Rolling back workplace protections and labor rights for workers, including wage and hour laws and collective bargaining rights.

Opposing and preventing initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap, providing paid family leave, and other policies that promote equity.

V — Voting

Voting — restricting the voices of African Americans, other minorities, LGBTQIA+, the poor & marginalized, such as:

Imposing voter ID laws that disproportionately affect people of color, low-income communities, and students.

Gerrymandering electoral districts to dilute the voting power of BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

Intimidating and suppressing voters through tactics like voter purges, misinformation campaigns, and voter harassment.

E — Education

Education — closing the doors of opportunity for all, such as:

Cutting funding for public education, which disproportionately affects students in low-income communities and students of color.

Limiting access to higher education through policies like tuition hikes, cuts to financial aid, and restrictions on affirmative action.

Pushing for a narrow curriculum that excludes diverse perspectives, culturally appropriate histories and lived experiences, and undermines critical thinking and civic engagement.

R — Regulation

Regulation — dismantling laws, zoning, sentencing, justice, such as:

Weakening environmental regulations, which disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities.

Dismantling criminal justice reforms, such as reducing mandatory minimum sentences and limiting the use of cash bail.

Rolling back consumer protections and antitrust laws, which benefit large corporations at the expense of workers and small businesses.

S — Sustenance

Sustenance — restricting health, food, income, livelihood, such as:

Cutting funding for public health programs and dismantling the Affordable Care Act, which undermines access to affordable healthcare for millions of people.

Reducing funding for food assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, which impacts low-income families and individuals.

Eliminating social safety net programs, such as unemployment insurance and disability benefits, which provide a lifeline for many vulnerable Americans.

I — Intentionally

Intentionally — through fear, discrimination, lies, attacks, such as:

Using fearmongering and demonization to scapegoat marginalized communities for societal problems.

Spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories to undermine public trust in institutions and policies.

Employing racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic language and rhetoric to stoke bigoted emotions, amplify division and cultural polarization.

T — Transforming

Transforming — changing and altering outcomes, such as:

Shifting power and resources away from BIPOC and other marginalized communities and toward those who hold privilege and power.

Promoting a culture of fear, white grievance, mistrust, and hostility that undermines social cohesion and undermines democracy.

Entrenching systems of oppression and exclusion that make it harder for people to access opportunities and realize their full potential.

Y— You

You — marginalizing outcomes for those impacted by these efforts, such as:

Excluding and silencing voices and perspectives of BIPOC and other marginalized communities from decision-making processes.

Ignoring and denying the realities of structural inequality and systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression.

Prioritizing the interests of powerful and privileged groups over those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.

REVERSITY — The POEM

What is this madness growing strong,

In a nation where many foreigners long,

To be an integral part,

Of America’s soul and heart.

It seems to draw an angry crowd,

Who feel that America has gone too far,

On talk shows and in public debate,

Bordering less on care and more on hate.

Their rhetoric and talk is decidedly loud,

At government and liberals, they launch their attack,

No more programs and preferences for the minority crowd,

The angry white male — he wants his country back.

When one looks at the surface of the issue,

At what they have claimed to have lost,

In many a leadership position, there is a decided shift,

In the color and the gender of the boss.

For many years some were afraid to reveal,

The true intent of their feelings,

This affirmative action and diversity,

Was creating a sore that wasn’t healing.

“What can we do? What can we do?”

A question posed at the grassroots,

At tailgate parties and the boardroom,

By those in blue jeans and some in dark suits.

“We are losing ground,” according to Hudson Institute,

“By the year 2030, we will certainly be destitute,”

“Let’s arm ourselves and be prepared to shoot,

And take back government with a vote and a boot.”

The movement started and was labeled REVERSITY,

At its core was the push back of diversity,

Like the valiant efforts during Custer’s last stand,

It’s a fight to stall the inclusion of black, yellow, and red clans.

The effort was working until a lunatic fringe,

Destroyed honest and decent people,

In Oklahoma with a homemade bomb, many lives were singed,

Shocked America became aware of on what its future hinged.

Millions and millions of silent people,

At their core, a caring lot,

Understood now what must be done,

For the freedom of every citizen under America’s sun.

Reminded of the many sacrifices,

Of the right that many tried to teach,

Like the energy of Prudence Crandall,

Diversity America — we can certainly handle.

Yes, everyone of us certainly can achieve,

With hard work and a determined mind,

We can reduce the pain and suffering of those that grieve,

By being honest and not trying to lie or deceive.

Like Maya’s words asking us to “rise,”

Above the blue and unclouded skies,

America’s future can be diverse and bright,

If we each speak out and continue to fight.

America?

Which will it be?

Reversity

or

A democracy grounded in its Diversity?