How Much Longer Can We Call Ourselves a Democracy?
Original Post Date: May 31, 2023
“Nothing about the rightful inclusion of communities that were instrumental in the foundation of this country is experimental. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are the long overdue treatment that minorities should have been entitled to. Additionally, as a white man, you do not have the authority to dictate what is important for any other culture outside of your own. You say that DEI programs promote a certain ideology, but the experiences and history of minority groups are not fictitious; It’s our reality. ”
Silence and focus. Two rareties amongst third graders. As an ex-3rd grader, I’d know. I’ve also become accustomed to annually visiting my aunt’s classroom. Despite their rowdy spirits, they settle down as my cousin and I posed as mystery readers. Our choice was Hidden Figures. As two young black girls, with intelligence on our side, how could we choose another? They continued to behave as we narrated the history of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden. If you haven’t been living under a rock, then I’m sure you’re familiar with the inspirational journey of these 4 women. If you haven't been exposed, I suggest that you watch the movie.
Once story time had ended, I reflected on my time in elementary school. Now while I knew most classrooms were not topping the stylistic ability of my aunt, I was amazed at all they had to explore. I was comforted as I realized their small library included black and brown faces. Sorrowful, that I never had the same. Finally, I was troubled that there was now an entire state of students who’d be restricted from this encouraging story.
Florida was an influential location in my childhood. Considering my Disney obsession, my family found ourselves there quite often. Not to mention, the many times we traveled there to sail off on another cruise. While I’ve never been naive to the mindsets and ways that muddle the South, I can’t say that I saw this coming. I’ve taken a deeper dive, on the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, claims before coming to you today. Despite holding no membership in the black community, DeSantis has decided what’s critical to OUR history. Now I know that racism and oppressive attitudes are not limited by age, but I was discouraged to realize that a man 44-year-old man held these views. Interestingly despite his existence in a post-segregation society, he has deemed DEI efforts as an experiment. As a young black girl, I have a few words for the governor.
“Nothing about the rightful inclusion of communities that were instrumental in the foundation of this country is experimental. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are the long overdue treatment that minorities should have been entitled to. Additionally, as a white man, you do not have the authority to dictate what is important for any other culture outside of your own. You say that DEI programs promote a certain ideology, but the experiences and history of minority groups are not fictitious; It’s our reality. ”
I would have never imagined this type of censorship in America in 2023. Last year, around this time, we were dealing with the news of the reverse of Roe v. Wade. My grandmother has said many things that will stick with me forever but I had never been more saddened by this statement. “I can’t believe that my granddaughters will have fewer rights than I do”. In the past 5 years, I’ve witnessed abortion bans, academic censorship, and a constant threat to lives from the lack of gun control. It seems like we have moved backward. The more I observe the political nature of the U.S. I begin to wonder how much longer we will be able to be considered a democracy.
With Love,
Allie
Further Learning
Learn More about the Legislative Changes in Florida
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-19/ron-desantis-dei-diversity-equity-inclusion-college
https://www.npr.org/2023/05/15/1176210007/florida-ron-desantis-dei-ban-diversity
