Hi Tim, and thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to comment. I've not heard of DEI being framed that way (positive discrimination) but I certainly agree that language would be pretty self-defeating for anyone like me who consults and advocates for it. It would definitely elevate the already overly defensiveness that surrounds the objective of ensuring inclusivity and equity for all Americans.

Your comment about the office banter made me smile as I certainly understand that not all White folk have the same interests. You aren't any more of a monolith than Black folk. What I mean by my comment is that more often than not, I am the ONLY Black face in professional environments, and while there are many things I may or may not have in common with White people personally, the one thing we will never have in common is what it feels like to be constantly "othered" in every situation.

I can be in situations with Black folk and not have any personal things in common with them either, but there is a certain kinship among Black people as we still share the same life experiences, some positive and some negative, where eventually we will meet on the same ground. Not always so when I encounter White people. This is not a negative statement - it's just a fact. We are different and to me that is okay. What I would prefer is if there were more of a push to make conversations inclusive instead of the assumption that everyone relates to what the majority experiences.

And PS - As a man, I'd say you are quite an anomaly, in a good way. I would venture to think you are quite the deep thinker which this world is in desperate need of.