The Impact of DEI Policies on Arts and Literature

By Nadja Maril, author of RECIPES FROM MY GARDEN

Each year my husband Peter and I plant a small garden. He does most of the work, and I write about it. The tasty herbs, colorful flowers and fresh vegetables inspire recipes, stories and poems. Choosing which seeds to order for planting have become a ritual for us because we like to try different varieties of plants. We revel in diversity.

But the word diversity has become a dirty word. The idea that an organization or business could become more productive if efforts are consciously made to include a variety of viewpoints and cultural backgrounds is being touted as promoting mediocrity. If someone was recruited to add diversity, it is assumed they possess less talent.

As a result, talented hardworking people are losing their jobs.

ERASING THE IDEAS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION

DEI programs throughout the federal workface have been dismantled. The words diversity, equity and inclusion have been erased from websites and work product in the U.S. federal government.

Is everyone supposed to look the same?

Sameness Can Get Boring

In a world rich with diverse experiences, opinions, and cultures, the monotony of sameness can stifle creativity and innovation. Imagine attending a gathering where everyone shares the same background, thoughts, and ideas. The conversations may flow smoothly, but they lack the vibrancy that comes from differing perspectives.

Consider the impact of diversity in various fields, from literature to technology. In literature, diverse voices introduce unique stories, fresh ideas, and varied writing styles that challenge the norm and inspire readers to see the world through different lenses. In technology, teams composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds often produce groundbreaking products, as they approach problems from a multitude of angles.

Moreover, embracing diversity fosters empathy and understanding. When we engage with those who have lived different lives, we not only learn about their experiences but also reflect on our own. This dialogue enriches our interactions and broadens our horizons, preventing us from becoming ensnared in a cycle of sameness.

In everyday life, we can combat sameness by seeking out new experiences-attending cultural festivals, trying unfamiliar foods, or engaging with literature from authors of different backgrounds. We can choose to have conversations with people who challenge our views, for it is in these discussions that true growth occurs.

Ultimately, diversity enhances our existence, keeping life dynamic and engaging. By celebrating differences, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant society.

ERASURE IS HAPPENING NOW IN THE USA

In the literary world, removing words from a piece of writing is called erasure. The erasure of chosen words changes what remains. In an erasure poem, an artistic form of poetry, the work often shows the words deleted. You visually see the words being “erased” with a line crossing it out. In other interpretations, the words are removed completely and the artist hopes you will notice their absence.

This past week six Pentagon officials were fired by President Trump, including the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff (second African American to hold the chairman post) and the first woman to lead the Navy. These actions speak for themselves.

I am painfully aware that qualified people have been removed from leadership positions and being replaced by less qualified people who have sworn an allegiance to support the current president over and above the tenets of the American constitution.

Federal funding grant requests must now include the assurance that there is no DEI program connected with the project. In other words, if you in any way indicate your desire to be inclusive, equitable and diverse you will be automatically disqualified.

THE LITERARY COMMUNITY IS STILL PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Editors and publishers, however, are still seeking to publish the work of writers from all backgrounds, ages, religions. They know that in the past the system was slanted towards white males of privilege. Women often took male pen names. Ethnic sounding names were changed to blend in with a white Christian society. People of color hid their true identity, sometimes opting to “pass” as white.

As long as a publishing house is not reliant on Federal grant monies, they can continue to strive for equity and inclusion. I fear that literary magazines supported by public colleges and universities may start to feel an impact.

In my capacity as a contributing editor to Instant Noodles Literary Review, I can share that we while we choose what to publish based on quality and appropriateness to theme; we prize diversity. A publication with a variety of styles and viewpoints is a lively publication to read. As a member of the Old Scratch Press Poetry and Short Form Collective, if and when we expand our numbers, we are looking for diverse talent. Different types of people provide different points of view and this is what enriches artistic expression.

WRITING PROMPT

Write a scene where a task is needing to be accomplished, Maybe, a car is broken and needs to be fixed or a dog is lost and the characters are looking for the owner. Imagine it with three characters. Write it once where the characters are all from similar backgrounds, economic circumstance, religion and color. Write is again with three people from very different cultural histories and perspectives.

Which scene is more exciting to read and what did you learn?

What can you do as a reader and a writer to encourage diversity? You can make a conscious attempt to read different authors with different backgrounds and viewpoints from around the world. Support independent publishers and presses. Try to be as just and empathetic to others as you can in daily life. Speak out when you witness injustice.

Thank you for reading and feel free to share your comments and any questions. Don’t forget your can follow me for FREE. Just sign up, and you’ll receive an email each time I publish. If you enjoyed this post and want to support my writing, consider purchasing my little chapbook filled with short essays and poems, RECIPES FROM MY GARDEN and check out some of my other books. Thanks again.

Originally published at http://nadjamaril.com on February 27, 2025.