In the world of data science, overfitting to the data is a well-known pitfall in which patterns in a specific sample are generalized to the entire population. Unfortunately, this flaw also occurs in the way we often approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many DEI theorists take evidence of bias against a particular group and overgeneralize it to the entire population, which leads to crude and inaccurate framings and conclusions, both about the population itself and others deemed to be part of the so-called oppressor class. Indeed the actual framing of black Americans and other people of color as “oppressed” and of white Americans as “the oppressor” is evidence of this overfitting.
I've been thinking about this a lot, and wondering what an alternative to DEI as it is currently practiced/promoted would look like- like what if there were no affirmative action legislation at all?
In my mind right now I say to myself, "So let the chips just fall where they fall and pray/hope for the best? " You being an example of the best... But then I go, "Ok, lived practices on the part of some are great but these haven't percolated deep enough into mainstream culture. So I fear what would happen if, within the current construction of our economic and cultural life, we just totally got rid of DEI and affirmative action initiatives.
I've been thinking about this a lot, and wondering what an alternative to DEI as it is currently practiced/promoted would look like- like what if there were no affirmative action legislation at all?
In my mind right now I say to myself, "So let the chips just fall where they fall and pray/hope for the best? " You being an example of the best... But then I go, "Ok, lived practices on the part of some are great but these haven't percolated deep enough into mainstream culture. So I fear what would happen if, within the current construction of our economic and cultural life, we just totally got rid of DEI and affirmative action initiatives.
I love your writing, and find your ideas to be phenomenally brilliant. May your tribe increase!♥️🙏🏻