Charlamagne tha God On The Problem With DEI

Charlamagne Tha God and Ashton Womack engage in a critical discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting on their effectiveness and the backlash they often face. Charlamagne critiques DEI as largely ineffective, likening it to superficial corporate solutions rather than genuine progress. They explore how DEI, often co-opted by conservatives, becomes a misunderstood concept, leading to skepticism about black professionals' competence. The conversation underscores the need for authentic leadership and systemic change to achieve racial equity, while Charlamagne emphasizes the importance of amplifying genuine voices and movements for black liberation.

• Post-George Floyd's murder, America confronted its racial biases, prompting corporations to adopt DEI initiatives.
• DEI is seen as a corporate solution to address systemic racism and promote black progress.
• There is a perception that black progress is mistakenly equated with white failure by some white individuals.

"After the murder of George Floyd, white people across America looked around and said, wait a second, are we racist? So America took a good hard look at itself. And when big corporations saw themselves in the mirror, they said, oh, shit, we're white."

• This quote highlights the awakening and self-reflection that occurred in America and its corporations regarding racial issues after George Floyd's death.

"Anything that leads to black progress, for some reason, you have some white people who think that equates to white failure."

• The quote addresses the misconception that black advancement means a loss for white individuals, revealing underlying racial tensions.

• Equity involves the fair distribution of resources, but some perceive it as taking away from others.
• There is an abundance of resources, and the idea is not to share a single pie but to create opportunities for everyone to have their own.

"There's more than enough to go around. You know what I mean? And by the way, I don't even know if what's going around is the actual pie they're eating from."

• The quote emphasizes the abundance of resources and suggests that the focus should be on creating independent opportunities rather than sharing limited resources.

"We can have our own ovens and our own ingredients and bake our own pies."

• This metaphor suggests empowerment and self-sufficiency rather than relying on existing systems or structures.

• DEI initiatives are often created by those in power, leading to skepticism about their effectiveness.
• The language of DEI is sometimes co-opted by conservatives, leading to confusion and resistance.

"DEI was created by the oppressor."

• This quote suggests skepticism about the origins and intentions behind DEI, implying that it may not truly serve the interests of marginalized groups.

"They're hijacking the language of DEI. So then we start to hate it."

• The quote addresses how DEI language is manipulated, potentially leading to a loss of its original intent and value.

• Despite good intentions, DEI programs often fail to improve workplace conditions for minorities and may even worsen them due to backlash.
• The effectiveness of DEI initiatives is questioned, with studies showing limited positive impact.

"The truth about DEI is that although it's well intentioned, it's mostly garbage."

• This blunt assessment questions the actual impact and effectiveness of DEI programs despite their noble intentions.

"Over 900 studies have shown that DEI programs don't make the workplace better for minorities. In fact, it can actually make things worse because of the backlash effect."

• The quote highlights empirical evidence showing that DEI initiatives often fail to achieve their intended outcomes and can have unintended negative consequences.

• Jon Stewart's involvement with the Daily Show writing team has sharpened their creative output.
• The collaborative writing process is valued for its ability to inspire new ideas and perspectives.

"There's not too many things I love more creatively than coming in here and sitting down with the writing team of the Daily Show."

• This quote reflects the speaker's appreciation for the collaborative and inspiring environment provided by the writing team.

"John just popped in on the zoom, and John was like, yo, Charlamagne, I wanna give you this. And so he gave me something that actually unlocked a whole bunch of other thoughts."

• The quote illustrates how Jon Stewart's input can open new avenues of thought and creativity, enhancing the writing process.

• Discussion on how certain individuals maintain success over long periods, like athletes LeBron James and Tom Brady.
• Emphasis on the importance of systems in sustaining success in organizations such as the Daily Show.
• Recognition of individuals who have contributed significantly to their fields over extended periods.

"Longevity, folks. That's."

• The speaker highlights the importance of longevity in success, suggesting that maintaining success over time is a notable achievement.

"To your point, Jen, 25, showrunner, been here 25 years. It's incredible, isn't it?"

• The speaker admires a showrunner's long-standing contribution, emphasizing the value of sustained dedication and hard work.

"I'm big on systems. I think systems lack in a lot of areas."

• The speaker stresses the importance of having robust systems in place to ensure consistent success and efficiency.

• Concerns about mediocrity in DEI efforts, emphasizing the need for genuinely qualified individuals in positions of power.
• Criticism of biases and stereotypes that undermine the capabilities of minority groups.
• Discussion on the negative impact of rhetoric that labels minority individuals as mediocre.

"Because we don't want that either. Like, one of the things that we complain about a lot is mediocrity."

• The speaker argues against accepting mediocrity in DEI initiatives, advocating for excellence regardless of race or gender.

"Just because I'm black doesn't mean I'm inferior. Just because you're white doesn't mean you're superior."

• This quote challenges racial biases that equate minority status with inferiority, advocating for equality and merit-based evaluation.

"I think it's already stuck. It's been sticking for 400 plus years."

• The speaker comments on the persistent nature of prejudiced narratives against black people, indicating a long history of racial bias.

• Examination of how certain political groups perpetuate stereotypes about black people.
• Analysis of how these stereotypes are used as political talking points.
• Discussion on the historical roots of racial stereotypes in media and politics.

"Yes. Cause they believe that. They believe that. We know the Republican Party, you know, is the party of the Confederacy, has been forever."

• The speaker highlights how certain political beliefs are deeply rooted in historical biases and continue to influence contemporary rhetoric.

"President Barack Obama was considered a mediocre Negro to conservatives."

• This quote illustrates how even highly accomplished individuals like Barack Obama face racial stereotypes and biases.

"That movie Birth of a Nation. You know, there's a scene in the movie where it shows all of these black elected officials and politicians, like just looking real savage."

• The speaker references historical propaganda to demonstrate how stereotypes have been used to manipulate public perception and maintain racial hierarchies.

• The discussion highlights the importance of coalition building in political success, using Barack Obama as an example.
• Emphasis is placed on the idea that successful political figures gain support from diverse demographics, not just a single group.
• The conversation touches on the misconception of attributing political success to diversity hires rather than genuine support for ideals.

"Barack Obama's probably the best example. He had a whole nation coalition."

• This quote illustrates the broad and diverse support that Barack Obama garnered during his political career, emphasizing coalition building as crucial for political success.

• The dialogue critiques the notion that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives undermine professional qualifications in fields like medicine and aviation.
• It argues that professionals, regardless of background, must meet rigorous standards to succeed.
• The conversation challenges the stereotype that DEI initiatives lower standards in professional fields.

"They don't go up to black doctors or black pre med students and be like, the knee bone is connected to the ass bone."

• This quote uses humor to underscore the absurdity of assumptions that DEI initiatives compromise professional standards, emphasizing that all professionals meet the same rigorous criteria.

• The conversation identifies a lack of real leadership and effective movements in contemporary society.
• It suggests that corporate DEI initiatives are often superficial, created to avoid legal issues rather than effect real change.
• The discussion calls for genuine leadership and legislative solutions, citing historical examples like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"We don't have any real movements. Cause, you know when we're talking about DEI being something that corporate America invented. Yes, it is. It's something that they invented to cover they ass to keep from being sued."

• This quote critiques corporate DEI efforts as superficial measures designed to protect corporations legally while lacking genuine commitment to change.

• The conversation explores the role of media figures in amplifying leaders and movements.
• It discusses the challenge of distinguishing between genuine leadership and media-driven celebrity.
• Emphasis is placed on the media's responsibility to amplify voices advocating for real change.

"Malcolm X said a person who controls the media controls the minds of the masses."

• This quote highlights the power of media in shaping public perception and the importance of using media platforms to support authentic leadership and meaningful movements.

• The discussion acknowledges the role of charisma and star power in leadership, referencing historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
• It raises questions about the effectiveness of current leaders who possess star power but may lack substance.
• The conversation encourages support and constructive criticism for leaders with star power to ensure they contribute to meaningful progress.

"You cannot help who has the star power. We're lying if we say Martin Luther King Jr. Didn't have star power."

• This quote acknowledges the influence of charisma and star power in leadership, suggesting that it is an inherent part of effective leadership but must be paired with genuine commitment to progress.

• The discussion emphasizes the importance of building coalitions around influential figures who aim for the liberation of marginalized communities.
• Dr. Umar is highlighted as a key figure who is committed to the liberation of black people.
• The conversation suggests that supporting leaders with a clear goal of liberation is crucial for achieving social change.

"We should build coalitions around these people and let's all see if we can get behind this person to help them with their message. Especially if we know the ultimate goal is the liberation of our people."

• Coalition building is essential for amplifying the messages of leaders committed to liberation.
• Supporting leaders like Dr. Umar can help advance the cause of liberation for marginalized communities.

• Dr. Umar is proposed as a potential creator of DEI policies due to his leadership in this area.
• The conversation critiques corporate attempts at diversity, such as commercials, suggesting that authentic DEI efforts are more effective.

"Dr. Umar definitely should create DEI policies. I would love to see a Dr. Umar base deep."

• Dr. Umar's leadership in DEI could lead to more authentic and effective policies.
• Corporate diversity efforts are often perceived as superficial compared to genuine DEI initiatives.

• The discussion criticizes corporate diversity efforts, using the example of Ice Spice's Dunkin Donuts commercial.
• There is skepticism about the motivations behind corporate diversity hires and marketing strategies.

"I don't like that because you don't hire her. You don't hire Ice Spice as no diversity hire. You wish Ice Spice was doing your shit."

• Corporate diversity efforts may be more about marketing than genuine inclusion.
• The use of popular figures in diversity campaigns is often seen as a strategic move rather than a commitment to diversity.

• Media platforms like the Daily Show are highlighted as important spaces for discussing politics and social issues.
• The Daily Show is praised for its ability to reach a diverse audience and present important topics in an accessible way.

"What I really love enjoying about doing the Daily show is I do really like talking about politics. I really do like talking about, you know, social issues."

• Media platforms play a crucial role in raising awareness about social and political issues.
• The Daily Show is recognized for its impact and ability to engage with a wide audience on important topics.

• The conversation emphasizes the importance of including all age groups in diversity and inclusion efforts.
• There is a call to view everyone as potential consumers, regardless of age, to truly embrace inclusivity.

"We talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, but people want to exclude old people. I think that we need to look at the world we're in as everybody."

• Inclusivity should extend to all age groups, recognizing everyone as a potential consumer.
• True diversity and inclusion require breaking down age-related barriers and stereotypes.

• Original DEI programs aimed to expand markets to diverse audiences, primarily for profit.
• The conversation suggests that DEI should be about more than just expanding markets; it should be about genuine inclusivity.

"The original DEI was just expanding your market to diverse audiences. That's right. So you can make more money."

• DEI efforts initially focused on market expansion rather than genuine inclusivity.
• There is a need to shift DEI efforts towards true inclusivity and representation.

• The conversation highlights the importance of personal growth and curiosity in understanding diverse perspectives.
• Engaging with a variety of topics and interests is encouraged to broaden one's understanding of the world.

"My mom told me a long time ago, read things that don't pertain to me. So therefore, I put my nose in a little bit of everything just to see what's going on."

• Personal growth is fostered through curiosity and exploring diverse topics.
• Engaging with a wide range of interests enhances understanding and empathy.

• The speaker announces the release of a new book titled "Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks."
• The book critiques small talk and emphasizes the importance of discussing macro issues.

"My new book comes out May 21. It is called Get Honest or Die Lying. Why Small Talk Sucks."

• The upcoming book focuses on the drawbacks of small talk and the value of meaningful conversations.
• It encourages readers to engage with significant issues rather than focusing on trivial matters.