It's not recently that these subjects have become part of the mainstream conversations and without a doubt Identity politics will continue to be a centerpiece that dominates social issues. But, I can't help but to think that regardless of all these good intentions, these ideologies are beginning to eat themselves.

DIE Religion

At face value, the ideas of diversity, inclusion and equity sound wonderful. In other words, who would not want to experience a social system of inclusion, one that regardless of your background and/or social status, does not leave a poor unfortunate behind in a cloud of dust. But, is this what these ideas are spousing?

You see, I used to think they were and because I did not dig deep enough, I thought I supported them. It seems a bit embarrassing to admit, but as a flawed human, I'm always willing to learn. Turns out that an ideology that is sold as equal opportunities is actually being overtaken by the irrationality of equal outcomes.

No such thing

I don't really need to spell out the fact that all humanity is valuable, and that in no way shape or form am I punching down. That being said, this does not mean that I cannot speak with an honest tone about an observable fact: We are not equal.

I realize the knee jerk reaction is to attack anyone that would utter such bigoted ideas, but if you allow me to explain it to you, I think you will find yourself agreeing.

Are we all 6 foot 5? Are we all athletic? Good Looking? - You see when it comes to physical traits, we don't really have much of a problem accepting reality. Of course we are not all basketball players, and certainly among those of us who are, not all of us are as talented as Jordan. So, What's my point? Well, does this continue to be the case among other human traits?

Removing the reactionary goggles, let's attempt to accept the fact that not all of us are equally gifted intellectually, or in the field of talents. I can accept, with absolutely no shame at all, that I've met along my life plenty of people who dwarf me in brainpower, but this realization has never angered me, nor it should.

So if we can accept we have differences, then how can we begin to spouse notions that outcomes should be the same. Do you see what I mean? How could I defeat Michael Jordan playing hoops? My will, my desire to be just as good as him has nothing to do with my reality. But why is this so confusing? What are people demanding?

Access and Opportunity

That makes more sense, doesn't it? The idea that anyone should be able to apply for a job, for a career, for a team, etc. And, if they are the best fit, that they are allowed to participate. There is nothing too crazy about this, nothing too wild or far fetched, right?

You may be asking yourself "But, that's what Inclusion means, no?" and I would not blame you. I used to think that's what people meant too, and thus felt there was no need to address this very subject. However, I've found myself facepalming a little too often lately.

The examples are plenty and thus I can't really pretend to address enough of them on a short post, but as to abandon abstracts, let's address one that might be triggering to some, yet very important.

There's a conversation today about our immigration system, and who the US should allow inside it's borders. I think the conversation is very complex and nuanced to simplify. But, when people reacted in outrage at the idea of having a merit based system, that prioritizes people with careers, people that will contribute to the economy, I just could not help but to be confused. Is merit wrong now? Is someone's effort not worth anything anymore? If someone spends ten years studying medicine, is that person not more qualified than someone with a GED?

You see, when I ask these questions, I'm not being insulting, I'm simply stating something that is obvious. However, the problem is that we are conflating this with human value and of course, that is nothing that we can truly measure.

All should be allowed to compete, and if there are blockades that impede this from happening, we should be removing them. But we can't expect everyone to get a trophy. That is the delusion here, the one we certainly need to wake up from.