Ever since his presidential campaign in 2016, Donald Trump has been on a crusade against what he calls “wokeness”. He has repeatedly attacked progressive ideas, labeling them as dangerous and threatening to the fabric of American society. However, what is most concerning is how Trump has co-opted the language of the civil rights movement to push his agenda and undo the legacy of the very movement that fought for equality and justice for all.
One of Trump’s key tactics has been to twist the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to solely benefit white Christians. DEI is a term used to describe initiatives and policies aimed at promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, with equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic. However, under the Trump administration, DEI has been spun in a way that excludes the very groups it was intended to protect.
Trump’s first assault on DEI came in 2017 when he banned transgender people from serving in the military. This decision directly contradicted the principles of DEI and was a clear indicator of his agenda to roll back progress made towards equality and inclusion. In the same year, he also tried to implement a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, citing it as a measure to protect national security. This ban was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court in a decision that will forever be a stain on American history.
But Trump’s co-opting of the language of the civil rights movement did not stop there. In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a new division called the “Conscience and Religious Freedom Division” that aimed to protect healthcare workers who refused to provide services that went against their religious or moral beliefs. The division was established in response to claims of discrimination against healthcare providers who refused to perform abortions or provide contraception to women. This move, however, blatantly ignored the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community and was a clear attempt to appease Trump’s base of white Christian voters.
Furthermore, Trump has also attempted to dismantle critical race theory, which examines how systemic racism and inequality persist in modern society. The Trump administration has banned federal agencies from conducting diversity training that discusses topics such as white privilege and systemic racism, claiming that it promotes “un-American” and “divisive” ideas. This move has been met with widespread criticism, as it undermines efforts to address and eliminate racism and discrimination.
Trump’s attacks on DEI have also extended to academia. In September 2020, he issued an executive order that aimed to prohibit federal agencies from contracting with diversity and inclusion trainings that discuss “divisive concepts” such as white privilege and systemic racism. This order has been met with backlash from educators and civil rights groups, who argue that it hinders the open discussion of race and inequality in educational settings.
Trump’s co-opting of the language of the civil rights movement is not only damaging to the progress made towards equality and inclusion, but it also undermines the very principles of DEI. By using the term to justify discriminatory policies and actions, he is perpetuating a dangerous narrative that diversity and inclusivity only benefit certain groups and pose a threat to others.
Moreover, Trump’s twisting of DEI has also had a profound impact on individuals and communities who have historically faced discrimination and marginalization. By promoting the idea that DEI is a tool to “attack” white Christians, he is furthering a divisive and harmful rhetoric that pits marginalized groups against each other, instead of working towards true equality and inclusivity for all.
The co-opting of the language of the civil rights movement by Trump and his administration is not only concerning, but it is also deeply offensive and disrespectful to the legacy of the movement. The civil rights movement fought for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, or any other characteristic. Trump’s actions are an insult to the sacrifices and struggles of those who worked tirelessly for a better and more equal society.
In conclusion, Trump’s crusade against “wokeness” and his twisted interpretation of DEI has only served to further divide and harm marginalized communities. By co-opting the language of the civil rights movement, he is attempting to erase the progress made towards equality and inclusion. It is up to us, as a society, to reject this damaging rhetoric and continue the fight for true diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.
