DEI

The Drawbacks of DEI: How Diversity Equity Inclusion Ideologies Can Divide Us

DEI or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are often promoted as vital for social progress. However, there is a growing debate on whether these concepts truly foster unity or, paradoxically, create further divisions. The recent decision by the Pentagon to remove DEI related books from military libraries highlights a significant shift in how these ideas are perceived.

The Pentagon has directed military leaders to remove books from libraries that promote DEI or “gender ideology,” labeling them as incompatible with the institution’s core mission. Leaders have until May 21 to identify and remove these materials.

The Historical Context: DEI and Two Nations Theory and Division

A prominent historical example of division caused by ideology is the two nation theory Pakistan, which led to the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. This theory posited that Hindus and Muslims were two distinct nations, unable to coexist within one state. Consequently, British India was divided into two countries: India and Pakistan.

Instead of solving communal conflicts, the division sparked long lasting hostility between the two nations. To this day, the region remains a flashpoint, marked by recurring conflicts, including the recent ceasefire violations despite a supposed peace agreement.

Ideological Divide and Ongoing Conflict

Even today, India and Pakistan remain at odds, fueled by ideological differences that originated from the 2-Nations Theory. In India, the rise of the RSS and the leadership of Narendra Modi have been associated with promoting Hindu nationalist sentiments, often criticized for being racist and discriminatory, they want to rule India by religion.

In contrast, Pakistan, as an Islamic republic, bases its identity on religious ideology. This fundamental ideological clash keeps tensions alive, proving that rigid identity politics can be a root of conflict rather than cohesion.

Sindhi Caste System: A Barrier to Unity

In Sindh, the caste system is deeply rooted, with people often identifying themselves by their caste, such as Bhutto, Talpur, or Samo. This strong belief in caste identities divides people into groups, overshadowing their collective identity as Sindhis.

To build a more united society, it would be beneficial to move beyond these divisions and embrace a singular identity: Sindhi. Adopting this collective identity fosters unity by eliminating unnecessary social divisions and emphasizing a common cultural heritage.

This approach aligns with DEI principles by promoting cohesion, focusing on shared values, and reducing divisions rather than highlighting differences, similar to the Pentagon’s focus on merit-based unity.

Kamran Masih’s actions during Operation Bunyan un Marsoos (Iron Wall) are a powerful example of what a unified nation can achieve. Despite being Christian, Masih fought for his country with unwavering dedication, proving that patriotism transcends religious boundaries.

His key contribution, destroying India’s S-400 air defense system in Adampur, showcased the strength that comes from national unity, aligning with the principles of DEI by emphasizing collective effort over individual differences.

Benefits of a Unified Nation:

1. National Strength: Unity allows a nation to become stronger, with all citizens working toward the same goals, like defending the country or advancing its interests, as seen through Masih’s efforts.
2. Patriotism Over Religion: When people unite under one national identity, there’s no room for divisions based on religion, caste, or ethnicity. This shared commitment fosters a stronger sense of patriotism, seen in how Pakistanis, irrespective of background, celebrated Masih’s bravery.
3. Increased Cooperation: A unified nation encourages collaboration and cooperation across all sectors, enabling more effective responses to challenges, both internal and external.
4. Improved National Security: By eliminating internal divides, a unified nation strengthens its defense and military capabilities, making it more resilient against external threats.
5. Progress and Prosperity: A unified nation focuses resources on collective growth, ensuring that efforts are directed toward a common goal of economic development and societal welfare, rather than being divided by internal conflicts.

Kamran Masih’s heroism is a testament to the power of unity, reminding us that, regardless of background or belief, when a nation stands together, it can overcome any obstacle.

Outdated Concepts of Identity

In ancient times, identifying people by caste, surname, or religion was practical, given the lack of modern identification methods. Today, we have more reliable ways to establish identity, such as national identity cards, passports, and digital records.

These methods make it unnecessary to rely on divisive markers like caste or ethnicity. Still, ideologies centered around these concepts continue to thrive, often causing more harm than good.

Are We Moving Forward?

America is now taking steps to remove outdated concepts related to DEI that perpetuate division. While inclusion and equal opportunity are important, clinging to ideologies that separate people based on race, religion, or gender does not suit a modern, unified society.

The Pentagon’s recent actions reflect a commitment to merit-based systems, where individuals are valued for their skills rather than their backgrounds.

Modern Unity: Identity Beyond Labels

Rather than fostering division, societies should embrace a more integrated view of identity. Labels based on race, gender, or religion can create an “us versus them” mentality. In a world where information and communication technology allow for better ways to identify and understand each other, clinging to old categorizations becomes counterproductive.

Moving Beyond DEI: A New Approach

The idea that diversity itself is a strength may sound noble, but if not managed carefully, it can lead to segregation and competition among groups rather than harmony. Unity should be about seeing individuals as human beings first, not as representatives of their race, religion, or gender. Modern identification methods provide enough tools to recognize and respect people without emphasizing divisive factors.

A Vision for the Future

To progress as a global community, we must transcend rigid ideological boundaries and promote human values above all. Removing outdated DEI concepts from institutions is not about rejecting diversity but about seeking unity beyond artificial divides.

As seen in the India-Pakistan conflict, holding onto divisive ideologies leads to lasting discord. Instead, we should aim for a world where merit, respect, and shared humanity define us, rather than race, religion, or other inherited identities.

By questioning whether DEI truly unites us, we open a broader conversation about how to balance diversity with social cohesion. Moving forward, it is essential to foster environments where unity prevails over division, grounded in modern realities rather than historical prejudices.