I’m a big fan of your work and have purchased multiple books of yours— The Fifth Sacred Thing is one of my favorite books of all time. I really appreciate the insight you bring to complex topics.
I completely agree with your emphasis on the importance of diversity and think that is a fascinating observation, especially in the political landscape. That said, I personally have concerns about DEI initiatives, particularly when they appear to conflict with merit-based standards. In fields like medicine, aviation, law enforcement, and engineering—where the stakes are high—I believe it's crucial to prioritize the most qualified individuals for the job, regardless of race or background.
To me, DEI can sometimes resemble your example of introducing kudzu to the Appalachians: well-intentioned, but potentially harmful when people are placed in roles they're not fully equipped for. In critical roles, this could have serious consequences for those around them.
I believe the best path forward is to double down on meritocracy and invest in education—ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed, rather than lowering the bar for important positions. Elevating people through education, opportunity and preparation, rather than through selection alone, strengthens society as a whole.
As a longtime admirer of your work, I just wanted to share my perspective—thank you for all that you do.
Thanks for your comment, I always enjoy respectful discussion and different perspectives. I think the point of DEI is merit-based--it's making sure highly qualified women and people of color and gender-diverse folks get considered equally with white men, and not discarded because of some aspect of their identity. And if we sometimes have too many qualified people for a limited number of spots--say, at a good school or university, why should we assume the problem is DEI and not that we need more good schools and universities? Of course, any good idea can be done badly. Diversity should never be an excuse for hiring someone unqualified. But at the moment, we're seeing Trump firing highly qualified people of color and bringing in the worst bunch of clowns imaginable. Mean clowns!
Yes, I'll be coteaching a four day Social Permaculture course at Slieve Aughty Centre near Loughrea at the end of August. We don't even have a promo for it yet but when we do I'll post it on my Substack. It would be great to have you come1
Yes, yes, yea.I have one tattoo. It's a picture of Usnea, one of my favorite lichens. It's encircled by the words powered by diversity.
Hello,
I’m a big fan of your work and have purchased multiple books of yours— The Fifth Sacred Thing is one of my favorite books of all time. I really appreciate the insight you bring to complex topics.
I completely agree with your emphasis on the importance of diversity and think that is a fascinating observation, especially in the political landscape. That said, I personally have concerns about DEI initiatives, particularly when they appear to conflict with merit-based standards. In fields like medicine, aviation, law enforcement, and engineering—where the stakes are high—I believe it's crucial to prioritize the most qualified individuals for the job, regardless of race or background.
To me, DEI can sometimes resemble your example of introducing kudzu to the Appalachians: well-intentioned, but potentially harmful when people are placed in roles they're not fully equipped for. In critical roles, this could have serious consequences for those around them.
I believe the best path forward is to double down on meritocracy and invest in education—ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed, rather than lowering the bar for important positions. Elevating people through education, opportunity and preparation, rather than through selection alone, strengthens society as a whole.
As a longtime admirer of your work, I just wanted to share my perspective—thank you for all that you do.
Thanks for your comment, I always enjoy respectful discussion and different perspectives. I think the point of DEI is merit-based--it's making sure highly qualified women and people of color and gender-diverse folks get considered equally with white men, and not discarded because of some aspect of their identity. And if we sometimes have too many qualified people for a limited number of spots--say, at a good school or university, why should we assume the problem is DEI and not that we need more good schools and universities? Of course, any good idea can be done badly. Diversity should never be an excuse for hiring someone unqualified. But at the moment, we're seeing Trump firing highly qualified people of color and bringing in the worst bunch of clowns imaginable. Mean clowns!
And, the corollary is that supremacy makes us stupid! 🌼
Yes! Prejudice does, in general, because it keeps us looking at the wrong things and making decisions from the wrong criteria.
Yes! And, empathy is intelligence.💛
Yes--because it means being able to imagine how the world might look to someone else and anticipate how our actions might impact them.
oh wow will you be holding any events in Ireland? I live in England but would hop over the pond to sit at your feet Starhawk!
Yes, I'll be coteaching a four day Social Permaculture course at Slieve Aughty Centre near Loughrea at the end of August. We don't even have a promo for it yet but when we do I'll post it on my Substack. It would be great to have you come1