To the editor: It’s positive to criticize foolish or excessive packages having to do with variety, fairness and inclusion such because the College of Michigan’s guides on figuring out white supremacy or counterproductive company workshops (is anybody shocked that company workshops of any form are sometimes time-wasting slogs?). (“Trump is right to end federal diversity programs,” Opinion, Feb. 3)
However I ponder if with out the deliberate efforts of Hollywood to be extra inclusive, glorious creators similar to Jordan Peele and Ava DuVernay would have as simply discovered the funding and avenues for his or her work.
President Trump, in taking a scorched-Earth method to DEI packages, is actually not prioritizing excellence. He’s simply changing concerns of race and gender with fealty to himself and his agenda. It appears DEI could also be unacceptable now, however nepotism and loyalty assessments are simply positive.
Susan Rishik, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Lewis virtually approaches an understanding of the aim of inclusionary packages earlier than shortly and sadly collapsing again right into a reactionary droop.
He’s right that when folks try and voice views they haven’t lived, it may appear inauthentic, even when well-intentioned. Inclusion addresses that drawback by lifting up genuine voices and providing alternative to those that have been systematically repressed.
The identical precept applies in Hollywood because it does in Washington: A variety of views sparks a richer nationwide dialog, and there’s work to do to create seats on the desk. Lewis would have us shirk from that really American mission to empower the neglected for the sake of, what, the avoidance of discomfort for him and his ilk?
The harder hike results in higher views.
Michael Affeldt, Los Angeles
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To the editor: If two folks with equal expertise apply for a job, and one is Black and the opposite white, one would possibly think about using DEI. However, if one’s expertise is clearly not equal to the opposite, one ought to rent the perfect individual. Some other customary is absurd.
I, a retired UPS driver, gave up my lunch and occasional breaks to complete my job on time for the primary six months after the corporate employed me. Any individual — Black, feminine or no matter — has to ask himself what he’s prepared to sacrifice to do the job. In any case, an organization hires an individual who can profit the corporate, not the reverse.
Would a baseball, soccer or basketball staff rent an athlete primarily based on shade or on his capability to assist it win?
Robert S. Rodgers, Culver Metropolis
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To the editor: As an Indigenous man, I’ve two options to make Lewis’ article extra correct.
Within the print version headline, “It’s time to finish our ineffective DEI packages,” change “ineffective” to “undesirable.” Then within the article, change each reference to “American” to “white individual.”
When my household moved to Los Angeles in 1943, the phrase “American,” when utilized to ethnicity, meant white. Sadly, that definition stays in right now’s MAGA world.
Harold Printup, Mar Vista
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To the editor: Lewis factors out that DEI efforts have negatively affected the humanities, academia, companies and politics, a lot to our detriment.
We’ve got seen a scarcity of DEI in so many areas, and Trump haters want to concentrate to how the president’s new coverage will help, not hinder progress. Placing the proper folks into jobs can solely assist our nation and the economic system.
I personally have seen DEI end in incompetent folks being put into positions with far-reaching, unfavourable penalties.
Hayden Lening, Claremont
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To the editor: Lewis’ article is as offensive as it’s deceptive. The trope of hauling out one liberal good friend who agrees with him proves nothing apart from he has one good friend who agrees with him.
Concerning Hollywood, in line with a 2023 article in The Times, white folks represented 78% of the lead actors within the high films launched in theaters in 2022.
If voters care about DEI initiatives, it’s as a result of Trump and folks like Lewis maintain telling them they need to care. The common American hasn’t been harm by DEI, nevertheless it’s a lot simpler responsible these packages than it’s to repair precise issues.
Ray Lancon, San Marino
