I am an avid viewer of Shark Tank, and one observation I’ve made is the consistent line of questioning that every entrepreneur faces when seeking investment. The sharks, regardless of the entrepreneur’s race, age, gender, or any other identifying factor, always inquire about crucial business fundamentals. These include inquiries about sales year to date, the genesis of the business idea, profit margins, and the entrepreneur’s professional background. These questions are pivotal as they reflect the sharks’ willingness to risk substantial sums of money on a small business. The show’s enduring popularity over 15 seasons stems from its diverse array of entrepreneurs, many of whom hail from humble beginnings but have put in the effort to build successful businesses and secure deals.

Shark Tank demonstrates the essence of a free-market economy, prioritizing business fundamentals over identity. Despite claims of unequal access based on birth circumstances or individual identity, the show presents numerous success stories from entrepreneurs overcoming hardships. These individuals, including some classified as “oppressed,” have met requirements and secured the essentials for success. Shark Tank highlights the principle of equal opportunity in the free market, positively impacting the economic paths of many families. Given the undeniable proof of success in the face of adversity, I find diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I) measures unnecessary and insulting. The free market’s inherent equality and access to opportunities render such measures obsolete, as individuals can triumph over challenges and achieve success on their own merits.

Mark Cuban, is That YOU?

Coincidentally, Mark Cuban, the main shark, recently voiced his support for D.E.I. He stated, “Race is part of the equation, never the deciding factor, as is diversity of background,” while facing challenges to his views. However, he later contradicted himself by asserting, “All of our decisions are based on hiring the best candidate.” If the latter is true, race should never be a part of the equation or a “motivating factor,” as pointed out by Andrea Lucas, a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission commissioner, in response to Cuban.

Cuban may have found himself in hot water as he navigated between legal hiring practices and, as fellow billionaire Elon Musk highlighted in response to Cuban, “signaling his virtue.” Elon Musk asserted, “DEI, because it discriminates based on race, gender, and many other factors, is not merely immoral, it is also illegal.”

As a fan of Cuban, someone I hold in high regard and view as an inspiration for his business acumen and apparent impartiality, sticking to the fundamentals of business, I found his support of DEI highly disappointing. It seems contradictory to the core values of his hit show which are working hard and grinding regardless of one’s circumstances.

Assumptions, and The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

DEI policies operate under the assumption that the underrepresentation of Black individuals in organizations stems from racist selection practices or historical factors such as slavery, making it harder for Black applicants to acquire the necessary skills. However, in practice, these policies often do more harm than good. By emphasizing superficial characteristics in selection processes, they inadvertently exacerbate racial tensions and bitterness and undermine the organizations that practice DEI. Advocates often overlook the impact of modern cultural habits on the lack of interest or qualifications in certain positions, as well as the overall size of the Black population. In essence, the pool of qualified Black applicants may be smaller due to population size and varying career interests.

“DEI is just another word for racism.” “Shame on anyone who uses it.” – Elon Musk. 

DEI measures, whose predecessor is government-mandated integration, reinforce notions of Black inferiority and white supremacy. By suggesting that Black Americans need government intervention for success, these policies contribute to an overreliance on the state, benefiting politicians. Our value and self-worth should not be tied to positions in predominantly white establishments; rather, they come from a higher source – the living God who sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. The historical impact of integration, often overlooked, includes the closure of many Black schools and businesses, as legal access to white establishments led to a shift in patronage.

Why the heavy focus on forcing Black individuals into white establishments and schools, rather than fostering and strengthening their own? The truth is integration was about increasing the liberal voting base rather than empowering Black communities, at the expense of Black-owned entities, families, and individualism. I find it strange that individuals who claim to be proud of their Black identity would demand inclusion in companies they perceive as racist, as investing one’s money or talent in such an environment seems counterintuitive.

“DEI is just another word for racism.” “Shame on anyone who uses it.” – Elon Musk. 

Indeed.