Digital Social Hour: Episode Summary Episode Title: The Truth About DEI & Why It’s Failing in America | Matt Dearden DSH #1214
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Matt Dearden

Introduction

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with Matt Dearden, a prominent figure known for his thought-provoking content on TikTok and other social media platforms. The discussion centers around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring its origins, current implementation, and the reasons why Matt believes DEI initiatives are failing in America. The conversation also delves into broader topics such as history education, the role of federal agencies, and the evolving landscape of political discourse.

1. Understanding DEI: Origins and Evolution

Matt Dearden begins by tracing the roots of DEI back to the civil rights movement. He highlights how DEI initially aimed to create pathways for marginalized communities, particularly those whose ancestors were enslaved, to gain representation and equity in various sectors.

Matt Dearden [00:00]: "The civil rights movement said, hey, look. Look at these people that have been marginalized in our country for. And their. Their ancestors have been enslaved in the country. So we should make some pathways to bring them to the table."

However, Matt expresses concern over how DEI has transformed over time, shifting focus from creating equitable opportunities to rigid quotas based solely on skin color.

Matt Dearden [00:27]: "These 10 spots are reserved for people just because of their skin color. And I don't think that's bad. I think that's very, very damaging."

2. DEI Implementation: Quotas vs. Equitable Pathways

Matt criticizes the current implementation of DEI, arguing that it often results in superficial diversity without addressing deeper issues of equity and inclusion. He contends that reserved spots based solely on race can lead to skepticism about the qualifications of individuals, undermining the very goals DEI seeks to achieve.

Matt Dearden [00:43]: "Hey, the only reason that person got their position was because of their skin color. And that's bad. Like, that's bad for everyone."

He contrasts this with the original intent of DEI, which was to create systems that allow marginalized groups to compete on a more level playing field, rather than enforcing strict racial quotas.

3. The Historical Context: Affirmative Action and Presentism

Delving into the history of affirmative action, Matt explains how DEI policies have their foundation in efforts to rectify historical injustices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical figures and their actions within the context of their time, avoiding the pitfalls of presentism—the anachronistic introduction of present-day ideas and perspectives into depictions or interpretations of the past.

Matt Dearden [09:12]: "I don't think it's taught well because it's taught a lot of times from the perspective of the 21st century. And I call that presentism."

Matt argues that while it is crucial to acknowledge the flaws and wrongdoings of historical figures, it is equally important to recognize their contributions and the complexities of their actions without reducing their legacy to a single aspect.

4. DEI in Modern America: Challenges and Criticisms

Matt discusses the challenges DEI faces in contemporary America, particularly the backlash against policies perceived as favoring certain racial groups over others. He points out that DEI initiatives, when misapplied, can foster division rather than unity.

Matt Dearden [34:15]: "These 10 spots are reserved for people just because of their skin color. And I don't think that's bad. I think that's very, very damaging."

Furthermore, Matt highlights cases where DEI policies have led to accusations of reverse discrimination, as seen in the Supreme Court case involving Asian students and affirmative action at Harvard. He underscores the complexity of implementing DEI in a manner that genuinely promotes equity without fostering resentment.

5. Broader Political and Social Implications

The conversation shifts to broader political themes, including the role of federal agencies and their impact on businesses and individuals. Matt criticizes the expansive power of unelected federal agencies, arguing that their actions can lead to significant consequences for businesses without adequate oversight or accountability.

Matt Dearden [47:26]: "The level of corruption just from my clients is absolutely insane. ... They received a subpoena to produce all of these documents ... They do not know what they're being investigated for yet."

He connects this critique to the broader discussion on DEI by suggesting that governmental overreach in implementing policies can undermine the original goals of creating a fair and equitable society.

6. The Role of Social Media and Public Discourse

Matt shares his perspective on the influence of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping public discourse around DEI and other political issues. He acknowledges the platform's limitations in fostering deep, meaningful conversations but sees it as a valuable tool for bringing complex topics to a broader audience.

Matt Dearden [02:28]: "I think there's a middle ground here where we could talk about some really interesting things but not make it too much. Almost like public facing, good history."

He also discusses the responsibilities of content creators in addressing controversial topics without perpetuating misinformation or division.

7. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several key quotes stand out, encapsulating Matt's viewpoints:

Matt Dearden [09:12]: "I don't think it's taught well because it's taught a lot of times from the perspective of the 21st century. And I call that presentism."

Matt Dearden [34:15]: "These 10 spots are reserved for people just because of their skin color. And I don't think that's bad. I think that's very, very damaging."

Matt Dearden [47:26]: "The level of corruption just from my clients is absolutely insane... They do not know what they're being investigated for yet."

Matt Dearden [51:54]: "But like the level of power that the IRS has to ruin someone's life for a mistake... is insane."

8. Conclusions and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the discussion, Matt emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to DEI—one that genuinely promotes diversity and inclusion without relying on rigid quotas that can backfire. He calls for policies that consider individual merits and foster genuine opportunities for marginalized groups, rather than imposing superficial diversity measures.

Matt also touches on the importance of understanding historical contexts and avoiding presentism to foster informed and empathetic discussions about DEI and other societal issues. He advocates for accountability and reform within federal agencies to prevent undue hardships on businesses and individuals, aligning these reforms with the original goals of creating a fair and equitable society.

Closing Remarks

Sean Kelly concludes the episode by thanking Matt Dearden for his insightful contributions to the conversation. Listeners are encouraged to follow Matt on TikTok and Instagram for more of his content and to stay tuned for upcoming episodes that continue to explore critical and often controversial topics.

Notable Mentions:

• Matt Dearden on TikTok: @MattDearden
• Matt Dearden on Instagram: @MattDeardenShow
• Upcoming Projects: Matt hints at releasing a podcast to delve deeper into long-form discussions.

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of DEI in America, enriched by Matt Dearden's unique perspective and expertise. It serves as a vital resource for listeners seeking to understand the challenges and debates surrounding DEI initiatives today.