Them Before Us Podcast: Episode #061 Summary

Title: Pro-Child Politics Author Delano Squires | The Lies About "Race" Hurting Kids
Release Date: November 1, 2024

In episode #061 of the Them Before Us podcast, hosts Jen Friedman and Katy engage in a profound conversation with Delano Squires, a distinguished author and research fellow. Delano delves into the intricate dynamics of race, family, and public policy, challenging prevailing narratives and offering a fresh perspective on children's rights and societal structures.

1. Introduction to Delano Squires

Jen Friedman opens the episode by introducing Delano Squires, highlighting his role as a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Life, Religion, and Family. Delano's extensive body of work covers topics like marriage, family, fatherhood, race, and culture, with publications in notable outlets such as Newsweek, The Root, and the Federalist. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Public Policy from George Washington University, Delano brings a multifaceted expertise to the discussion.

2. Insights into Delano's Upcoming Book

Delano provides an update on his forthcoming manuscript, revealing it is nearing completion with just ten days left before submission. The book, titled "Who Destroyed the Black Family? Reviving Marriage after Decades of Progressive Deception," explores the forces that have eroded the Black family structure and proposes strategies for rebuilding it. This work is positioned as a critical examination of societal influences and progressive policies that Delano argues have adversely impacted family cohesion within the Black community.

Delano Squires [01:08]: "The book is on marriage and the black family, specifically the forces that eroded the black family and destroyed it in many respects, and then how we build it back."

3. The Reality of Race in America

The conversation shifts to Delano's chapter on race for Pro Child Politics, where he begins with the poignant story of Jasmine, a seven-year-old Black girl tragically shot in Houston. Delano contrasts the intense media scrutiny initially directed towards a presumed white suspect with the swift silence that followed the revelation of two Black men as the actual perpetrators.

Delano Squires [03:29]: "The ways we talk about race are completely divorced from reality."

Delano shares his decade-long experience working in local government in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the disconnect between national media narratives on race and the lived experiences of residents. He highlights his role in the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, where he observed that the discussions around gun violence were often influenced by elite ideological interests rather than the grassroots realities of the community.

4. Challenging the Concept of Race as Essential

Delano dismantles the notion of race as an essential characteristic that defines individual worth or identity. He differentiates between observing physical differences and using race as a tool to ascribe value or rank individuals, which he argues is a fundamental lie leading to detrimental public policies and social norms.

Delano Squires [07:32]: "Race as a classification tool that ascribes certain types of value to different groups based on where they are classified... that is a lie that needs to be countered."

He references historical misconceptions, such as the 19th-century physician Samuel Cartwright's fabricated diagnosis of "drapetomania," used to pathologize slaves' desire to escape bondage. Delano critiques contemporary scholars like Robin DiAngelo, arguing that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and essentialist views under the guise of addressing racism.

5. The Paradox of Colorblindness in Public Policy

Delano explores the complexities of colorblindness in both progressive and conservative frameworks. He asserts that both sides are "color conscious and colorblind" but in contrasting ways.

Delano Squires [14:21]: "Progressives and conservatives are both color conscious and colorblind, but in different ways."

He criticizes progressive policies for sometimes focusing on appearance-based solutions without addressing underlying issues, while conservatives may selectively apply colorblind principles, leading to inconsistent and often contradictory policy approaches. Delano advocates for a colorblind constitution where laws are applied uniformly, free from racial considerations, emphasizing honesty and consistency in public policy.

6. Critique of Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Movements

Delano vehemently critiques the frameworks of racial equity and anti-racism as propagated by figures like Ibram Kendi. He challenges the assumption that disparate outcomes across racial groups are inherently due to racism, pointing out inconsistencies in how racism is attributed based on desired outcomes.

Delano Squires [24:35]: "Neither Ibram Kendi nor his disciples would look at that and accuse the NFL of engaging in racism."

He emphasizes that attributing success or disparities solely to racial factors overlooks multifaceted societal influences such as education, culture, and individual agency. Delano argues that policies aiming to correct perceived racial injustices often result in counterproductive measures that fail to address the root causes of inequality.

7. The Role of Interpersonal Relationships in Bridging Racial Divides

Transitioning to solutions, Delano underscores the importance of treating individuals as unique, moving beyond racial generalizations. He advocates for building personal relationships as a means to dismantle entrenched racial barriers and foster genuine understanding.

Delano Squires [18:53]: "Treat others as individuals, to not presume or assume we know what a person likes or dislikes based on their immutable characteristics."

He criticizes the Black Lives Matter movement for what he perceives as a misalignment between its declared intentions and actions, suggesting that the movement often diverts attention from pressing local issues to broader national narratives that may not effectively serve the communities they aim to protect.

8. Concluding Thoughts: Moving Beyond Victimization and Grievance

In wrapping up, Delano calls for a rejection of victimization narratives that fuel societal divisions and advocate for a focus on restoring foundational elements such as marriage and family within the Black community. He warns against the dangers of adopting an excessive grievance-based approach, which he believes leads to radicalism and further societal fragmentation.

Delano Squires [33:18]: "The only way to get every tree in the forest to be the same height is to cut off the tops of some."

Jen Friedman echoes Delano's sentiments, emphasizing the need for proactive efforts to support and nurture communities rather than reacting solely to high-profile incidents that garner media attention sporadically.

9. Where to Find Delano Squires

Delano concludes the episode by sharing his platforms for further engagement. Listeners can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @DelanoSquires and access his weekly columns at Blaze and writings at the Heritage Foundation.

Key Takeaways

• Race as a Social Construct: Delano Squires challenges the essentialist view of race, advocating for a recognition of individuals beyond racial classifications.

• Critique of Current Racial Narratives: He criticizes both progressive and conservative approaches to race, highlighting inconsistencies and the perpetuation of divisive narratives.

• Emphasis on Family and Marriage: At the core of his work is the belief that strengthening the Black family unit is pivotal to addressing broader societal issues.

• Call for Individualism: Delano urges a move away from generalized racial policies toward treating each person as a unique individual, fostering genuine personal connections to bridge divides.

This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of race, policy, and community dynamics, encouraging listeners to reassess commonly held beliefs and consider alternative approaches to fostering societal harmony and family stability.