Stephen A's Take: DEI. Stephen A breaks down who is really benefitting from it.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show - Episode Summary

Title: Stephen A's Take: DEI. Stephen A breaks down who is really benefitting from it.

Release Date: February 27, 2025

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Overview

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the contentious and highly debated topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. With a focus on dissecting who truly benefits from these initiatives, Smith examines recent developments within major corporations, notably Apple, and addresses the polarized perspectives surrounding DEI in today’s societal landscape.

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1. Apple Shareholders Reject Ending DEI Programs ([01:10])

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion by highlighting a significant corporate governance event:

• Key Point: Apple shareholders have voted against a proposal to terminate the company's DEI programs.

• Impact: This decision underscores the value placed on DEI initiatives within Apple's corporate culture and their perceived role in the company’s success.

• Quote: While discussing Apple’s stance, Smith references Tim Cook’s defense, emphasizing the integration of DEI into Apple's foundational values.

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2. Tim Cook Defends Apple’s DEI Policies ([02:30])

Smith presents Apple CEO Tim Cook’s response to the shareholder proposal:

• Key Point: Tim Cook asserts that Apple’s strength lies in hiring the best talent without relying on quotas or targets, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect.

• Quote: Cook states, “We've never had quotas or targets for Apple. Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration. But our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone, and I work to that end, will never waver” ([02:45]).

• Context: Cook acknowledges the evolving legal landscape around DEI, suggesting potential adjustments to Apple’s diversity policies while maintaining their core commitment.

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3. President Donald Trump’s Critique of DEI ([03:10] - [07:00])

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to President Donald Trump’s strong opposition to DEI programs:

• Key Points:

  • DEI as a Hoax: Trump labels DEI initiatives as a "hoax" detrimental to the country’s well-being.

  • Beneficiaries of DEI: Contrary to common perceptions, Trump argues that white women and Asian Americans are the primary beneficiaries of DEI, rather than minorities.

  • Cultural Impact: He criticizes the association of DEI with negative stereotypes about black individuals and questions the narrative that DEI primarily aids minorities.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Apple should get rid of DEI rules, not just make adjustments to them. DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone.” ([03:45]).

  • “White women are the biggest beneficiaries of DEI, just as they were the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action. And second on that list are Asian Americans” ([04:15]).

  • “Why is it that our culture is attached to it? Why are we not mentioning the fact that white women are the biggest beneficiaries from it?” ([05:30]).

  • “Why are we always associated with it, especially when words like unqualified come to the fray?” ([06:00]).

• Analysis: Smith explores the implications of Trump's statements, questioning the broader societal and corporate impacts of redefining DEI benefits.

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4. Corporate Responses to DEI Post-Election ([07:10])

Smith transitions to examining how various corporations are responding to the evolving discourse on DEI:

• Companies Maintaining DEI Commitments:

  • Examples include Ben and Jerry's, Costco, Delta Airlines, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and Patagonia.

• Companies Pulling Back on DEI Efforts:

  • Notable mentions are Amazon, Boeing, Disney, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Google, McDonald's, Meta, Nissan, Target, Toyota, and Walmart.

• Implications: This division reflects the ongoing debate and differing corporate strategies in navigating DEI amidst political and social pressures.

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5. Call for Transparent Dialogue on DEI ([07:53])

Concluding the episode, Stephen A. Smith emphasizes the necessity for honest and transparent conversations regarding DEI:

• Key Point: Smith advocates for addressing DEI with honesty and fervency to ensure its effectiveness and fairness.

• Quote: “If we gon talk about the subject and we're gonna be transparent while we be honest about it, kind of annoys me that we don't.” ([07:53]).

• Conclusion: By fostering open dialogue, Smith believes stakeholders can better understand the true impact of DEI and work towards equitable solutions.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tim Cook on DEI Philosophy:

  “Our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone, and I work to that end, will never waver.” ([02:45])

• President Trump on DEI as a Hoax:

  “DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone.” ([03:45])

• Trump on DEI Beneficiaries:

  “White women are the biggest beneficiaries of DEI, just as they were the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action. And second on that list are Asian Americans.” ([04:15])

• Trump on Cultural Attachment to DEI:

  “Why is it that our culture is attached to it? Why are we not mentioning the fact that white women are the biggest beneficiaries from it?” ([05:30])

• Smith’s Call for Honest Dialogue:

  “If we gon talk about the subject and we're gonna be transparent while we be honest about it, kind of annoys me that we don't.” ([07:53])

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Key Insights

• DEI’s Corporate Significance: DEI programs are not just social initiatives but integral to corporate identity and success, as evidenced by Apple's commitment.

• Polarized Perspectives: There is a stark divide in how DEI is perceived and its beneficiaries, with arguments both defending and challenging its current implementation.

• Impact on Corporate Strategies: The ongoing debate influences corporate policies, leading some companies to reinforce DEI efforts while others reevaluate or reduce their focus.

• Need for Transparency: Effective DEI implementation requires open and honest discussions to address misconceptions and ensure equity for all beneficiaries.

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Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith provides a thorough examination of DEI programs, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding them. By presenting diverse viewpoints, including those of corporate leaders and political figures, Smith encourages listeners to engage in informed and transparent discussions about the true beneficiaries and future of DEI initiatives. This episode serves as an essential resource for understanding the multifaceted impacts of DEI in today’s societal and corporate environments.

Transcript

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[Daniel Tosh]

Hi, I'm Daniel Tosh, host of new podcast called Tosh show brought to you by iheart Podcasts. I'll be interviewing people that I find interesting. So not celebrities and certainly not comedians. We'll be covering topics like religion, travel, sports, gambling, but mostly it will be about being a working mother. If you're looking for a podcast that will educate and inspire inspire or one that will really make you think this isn't the one for you, listen to Tosh show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unnamed News Reporter]

According to CBS News, Apple shareholders on Tuesday, just yesterday rejected a proposal to end the iPhone makers diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In responding to the anti DEI proposal, Apple defended its diversity program as an integral part of its corporate culture, crediting the policies in part for making the technology giant the most valuable company in the world. Here's what Apple CEO Tim Cook said in defense of the policy. Quote, we've never had quotas or targets for Apple. Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration. But our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone, and I work to that end, will never waver, end quote. However, Cook concedes that the company may need to revise aspects of its diversity policies as the legal landscape around DEI evolves. Meanwhile, President Trump continued to call for Apple to scrap the program. You know he was going to do that. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, quote, apple should get rid of DEI rules, not just make adjustments to them. DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone. That is according to the president Donald Trump. Let me be very clear about what I'm sick of. I'm sick of the truth being camouflaged. When it's over this whole DEI matter, I really, really am. Because I got to tell you something right now, it's getting on my last nerves and I'm trying to, to, to, to really avoid losing my patience. Okay? This is where I'm coming from with this, y'all. I'm just looking something up to make sure I have it right. I'm really trying to be cool about this because I do think it's important. I'm sick and tired of be a DEI being associated with black people. And I'm sick and tired of seeing black folks out there complaining over DEI like it's the end. Like its eventual departure is the end of the world. There are congressional figures who have stated for the record that white women are the biggest beneficiaries of dei, just as they were the biggest beneficiaries of. Of affirmative action. And second on that list are Asian Americans. So I'm sitting here and I'm saying not to act like there haven't been black folks who have benefited from affirmative action or dei. I'm saying, why is. Why is it that our culture is attached to it? Why are we not mentioning the fact that white women are the biggest beneficiaries of it? We live in America. White folks make up 57.4% of the population, last time I checked, if not lower than that right now. But it's still a white power system, primarily a white male power structure. White women have benefited. So the eradication of dei, one would argue, would politely affect them more than it would affect anybody else, since they're the biggest beneficiaries from it. Which means that white men like Donald Trump, who decided, along with Elon Musk and others to eradicate dei, did so at the expense of white women. Why is that story not being told? Why is it coming across as if it's associated with black folks? Why the words unqualified or incompetent or not up for the job and stuff like that? Why is that coming through the screens? Why is that what everybody's talking about, particularly when they're talking about minorities in this country? Oh, I forgot. White women are considered a minority in this country. That's how they did benefit from affirmative action and dei. I'm just asking, why don't we talk about it? If we gonna talk about the subject and we're gonna be transparent while we be honest about it, kind of annoys me that we don't. Now, to a whole bunch of people out there, I apologize if I'm wrong, because I have seen a couple of articles proclaiming that white women are not the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action and dei. But throughout years, especially decades, when it came to folks talking about affirmative action, make no mistake about it, white women were deemed the biggest beneficiaries. And people are still saying that now, although there are articles to deny it to say that's not true. Whatever case you want to make, there is no denying that black folks aren't the only folks that are benefiting from dei, that minorities are not the only folks benefiting from dei, meaning folks other than white folks. Why is it that we're always associated with it, especially when words like unqualified come into the fray? That's what I'm saying. Of course, as I look here and they talk about who's gonna follow, nobody's sure who's expected to follow Apple in terms of their thinking. But other companies that confirmed a commitment to DEI in the wake of the election, um, and some of the orders being handed down by Trump, Ben and Jerry's, Costco, Delta Airlines, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft and Patagonia. Those were folks companies rather that confirmed a commitment to DEI moving forward. From Axios, many more companies appear to be pulling back DEI efforts, including Amazon, Boeing, Disney, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Google, McDonald's, Meta, Nissan, Target, Toyota, Walmart. All I ask is that if we gon talk about it, let's talk about it. Let's address it with the honesty and fervency it deserves. That's all I ask. That's all I ask because I really, really think at the end of the day that's going to be necessary if we gonna get it right. That's what we should want to do. Foreign.

[Greg Rosenthal]

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[Julie Swerbinks]

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