A Person Without Arms Cannot Clap

 

This fact perfectly illustrates the dilemma between merit and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in contemporary society. If we only value the ability to clap as a criterion for recognition, we ignore the reality that not everyone starts from the same position in the race for opportunities. This is the essence of the debate over whether merit should take precedence over DEI.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a framework aimed at creating societies and workplaces where all individuals—regardless of their background, gender, disability, race, or other differences—have the same opportunities to participate and thrive. Diversity celebrates differences, equity ensures that everyone has access to the same resources, and inclusion guarantees that no one is excluded from important decisions.

These principles are not mere acts of political correctness; they are fundamental strategies for fostering innovation, productivity, and social justice. A diverse and inclusive environment allows all talent to be harnessed, while equity corrects historical inequalities that have limited access to education, employment, and leadership for certain groups.

Recently, a school of thought has emerged arguing that merit should take precedence over DEI. This perspective holds that opportunities should be granted exclusively based on performance, competence, and productivity, without considering external factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic background. At first glance, this position may seem fair: those who demonstrate greater ability are rewarded, regardless of their background.

However, the problem lies in the fact that "merit" is rarely a neutral concept. In a society where not everyone has had access to the same education, professional networks, or resources, measuring talent without considering the starting point is a disguised way of perpetuating inequalities. A student who has overcome socioeconomic barriers to graduate with good grades should not be compared under the same conditions as another student who had access to the best schools and private tutors. If we only value the outcome without analyzing the conditions that led to it, we are favoring those who already had advantages from the beginning.

Placing merit above DEI not only limits access to opportunities for certain groups but also impoverishes society as a whole. Diversity in workplaces and education fosters creativity, innovation, and problem-solving from different perspectives. Without equity policies, social gaps widen, and the same elite groups continue to dominate access to positions of power and prestige.

It is essential to find a balance. The goal is not to reward someone solely based on their identity but to recognize that merit must be evaluated within its context. If we aspire to a truly equitable society, effort and talent should be valued, but we must also ensure that everyone has the opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

Because in the end, a person without arms cannot clap, but if we provide them with a platform and a space where their talent can shine, their impact on the world can be far greater than the simple sound of clapping.