In this episode 7 chapters
- Rethinking Who Has Privilege
Keith describes himself as a progressive who takes racism and sexism seriously, then names the first deadly sin: an overly simple view of privilege.
- Diversity of Skin, Not Thought
The second deadly sin is a narrow idea of diversity that wants people to look different but think alike, shown in academic party ratios and student self-censorship.
- When Inclusion Turns Intolerant
Using the infighting that broke up the women's march movement, Keith shows the third deadly sin: intolerance.
- Unequal Outcomes, Not Oppression
Kenyan marathon dominance, the controlled wage gap, Uber's pay study and women's share of STEM degrees all support Keith's argument that different outcomes often reflect biology and choice, not just…
- Tribalism and Anti-Liberalism
Drawing on Susan Neiman, Keith criticizes DEI's tribal focus on race and sex and defends colorblindness as an ideal.
- Remedies With an End Date
Using blind symphony auditions as his example, Keith argues that policies aimed at equal outcomes need honest criteria for when they should end.
- Critique From Beyond Green
In response to callers, Keith argues that a useful critique of DEI has to come from an integral view that also sees what DEI gets right.
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Start building your big picture mind & support the global emergence of Integral consciousness
“Integral Life is the most important and globally-relevant platform for the leading edge of Integral consciousness evolution”
– Eugene P.
Join Keith Martin-Smith as he questions whether DEI initiatives are achieving their intended goals of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Instead of moving in that direction, are they further perpetuating any number of unseen biases? Is the narrative around privilege and diversity not only too simple, but working against a stated desire for cultural equity?
Keith questions many DEI assumptions, with loads of data, such as how other facets of privilege like class and education level impact our understanding of police violence, who is really being oppressed, and many other nuances. He asks, and answers, how we might rethink and reshape the DEI discourse, moving towards more skillful, more honest, (and more integral) approaches.
Hard-hitting and direct, Keith cites 7 places where DEI, while partially true, is moving into problematic application because of the places it’s also partially false – and seemingly blind to that. His 7 sins are: 1.) Simplified Understanding of Privilege (included in the free preview) 2. Narrow Perspective on Diversity 3. Intolerance 4. Equal Outcomes Lead to Biased Policies 5. Excessive Focus on Oppression and Power 6. Tribalism 7. Anti-liberalism
We hope you can join this important conversation, which will be the foundation for upcoming talks around how DEI can be improved.
Images and maps by Corey deVos
Keith Martin-Smith’s When The Buddha Needs Therapy is now shipping!
It is possible to be liberated from the suffering of this world, but the path is a paradoxical one of embracing your ego even as you let it go. If you seek true liberation and freedom from the seemingly endless strife of life, you’re in the right place.
Previous Episodes of Buddha In Therapy
Become a member to access the full episode
Start building your big picture mind & support the global emergence of Integral consciousness
“Integral Life is the most important and globally-relevant platform for the leading edge of Integral consciousness evolution”
– Eugene P.
About Keith Martin-Smith
Keith Martin-Smith is an award-winning author, writing coach, and Zen priest. He is passionate about human connection, creativity, and evolution. His books include "The Mysterious Divination of Tea Leaves", "A Heart Blown Open", and "The Heart of Zen". His most recent book is his first novel, "Only Everything", a novel that explores the promise and the pain of following an artist's path.
