On a recent episode of “Dr. Phil Primetime,” the controversial talk show host tackled the hot-button topic of Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DEI) in American culture.
In a panel discussion with multiple experts, Dr. Phil clashed with DEI advocate Rachel Kargas, rejecting her advocacy of equality of outcome as “Marxism.”
The panel, which included two Black men, pastor James Ward Jr. and York College of PA Professor Erec Smith, and one White woman, “HR leader” and DEI advocate Rachel Kargas, discussed the impact of DEI on society.
During the discussion, Ward pointed out the inconsistent application of DEI, questioning why there are no Asian, Latino, or Hispanic basketball and football players or Black players in the National Hockey League. He went on to argue that DEI advocates are “pretending to be God” by meddling in society.
Kargas, on the other hand, defended DEI programs, using the popular graphic of three people trying to view a baseball game over a fence to illustrate her point. In one image labeled “equality,” each person has one box to stand on, with the tallest on a box they don’t need and the shortest still unable to see over the fence. In the other image, marked “equity,” each person has as many boxes as they need to see over the fence – the shortest with two and the tallest with none.
Dr. Phil, however, was not convinced. He questioned Kargas about her aim to create equality of outcome, to which she agreed. This led him to make a bold statement, “What gives a DEI program the right to come in and try and alter the nature of things to create equality of outcome? That’s been tried, that didn’t work, that was called Marxism.”
The pastor, who had earlier referred to DEI advocates as “playing God,” jumped in to support Dr. Phil’s statement, saying, “If you apply to or stick to meritocracy, it doesn’t matter whether somebody is playing golf with the CEO or not. It’s about matching those values, those skills that are necessary for the job.”
Kargas, who has worked in the recruiting space for 25 years, argued that DEI programs are necessary to level the playing field for all demographics. She pointed to the fact that people tend to refer those they know, leading to a homogenous workforce.
However, Smith argued that Kargas’ argument only proves that meritocracy is needed, as it ensures that the best person for the job is chosen based on their skills and qualifications, not their personal connections.
Dr. Phil blows up mindless DEI robot.
This is beautiful to witness.pic.twitter.com/gpXVnnH1ic
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) April 13, 2024
