Since the new administration took office and President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris left, there have been many changes that have disrupted life as usual in the (dis)United States.
It is a sad state but because racism and discrimination were not eradicated when the opportunity was presented in the 19th century, here we are. DEI---diversity, equity and inclusion--initiatives and affirmative action have been used as a political lightning rod against Black and other people of color and diverse backgrounds in the country. However, there is proof that diversity is better!
If you thought this was going to be a long essay on DEI and its benefits, well it's not. It's a short message about the importance of having thinkers of various backgrounds in the room when something important is being discussed, which should ensure everyone's needs are represented.
Case in point: Robert Kennedy Jr.'s comments about vaccines and immune systems.
His assertion:
Black people have stronger and "better" immune systems than white people (Note: This person is an environmentalist and attorney, and has no medical credentials. He has spread misinformation about medical topics including vaccines).
What he used as support for his assertion: Studies in the country of Poland about Black people..
How smart, diverse brains would have helped him out:
The United States has millions of Black people. No such study has ever resulted in that finding. In fact, all studies have shown that Black people are MORE prone to diseases than whites because of reasons related to historical racism (See NIH study prior to the orders shutting down research). Had Kennedy engaged with diverse, smart thinkers, he never would have mentioned that study at all. The first thought of all Black people within seconds of reading is likely, "Are there even any Black people in Poland?!"
Well in fact there are. According to data in Poland, a country with more racism per capita than even the United States, there are about 4000 Black people within the 36.69 million total population.
Our Conclusion:
Diversity of thinking and expression, made possible by equitable recruiting and hiring, and the implementation of programs that encourage inclusion, which facilitates conversations and employees/representatives being themselves, keep the stupid ideas in check (or, at least keep them from making it out of the conference room).
source: NewsOne.com article by Shannon Dawson: Medical Leaders Condemn Robert F. Kennedy Jr's 'Dangerous' Claims about Black People's Immune Systems
