Dr. Joseph L. Jones
This tactic of redefining and reframing language is a hallmark of the Republican playbook. They have distorted the meaning of Critical Race Theory (CRT), falsely claiming it promotes discrimination against white people, while ignoring its true purpose of examining the historical and systemic racism that has shaped American society. Similarly, they have weaponized the term “woke,” turning it into a pejorative to denigrate those who advocate for social justice and equality.
The underlying goal of these linguistic distortions is to undermine efforts by marginalized communities to address discrimination and achieve equity. By creating a false narrative of reverse discrimination, they aim to preserve a status quo that benefits the privileged few at the expense of the many.
In the face of these attacks, we progressives must reclaim the narrative and reframe the debate. It is time to shift the focus from DEI to JEDI: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This reordering not only emphasizes the fundamental principle of justice but also aligns with the values depicted in George Lucas’s “Star Wars” franchise, where the Jedi Knights represent guardians of peace, justice, and equality.
The Jedi Order accepts individuals from all species and backgrounds, regardless of their origins or social standing. This commitment to equality mirrors the goals of diversity and inclusion efforts, which seek to create environments where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other individual characteristics.
